Rumors spark police presence at Lebanon High School
The high school’s principal quickly dismissed all rumors.
LEBANON, Tenn. (WSMV) - Police are investigating potential threats at Lebanon High School following rumors that had been circulating.
Students reportedly began circulating rumors that the school was on lockdown and that a possible firearm was in the building on Thursday morning.
This happened after a group of students were involved in an off-campus fight on Wednesday that Lebanon Police quickly responded to, according to the Wilson County Sheriff’s office.
The sheriff’s office said as Lebanon officers began arriving, the crowd quickly dispersed.
Shortly afterward, police responded to a call of shots being fired in Weatherly Estates Subdivision near Franklin Road. Police discovered a vehicle had been hit by gunfire and no one was injured.
The sheriff’s office said a 17-year-old was taken into custody and charged with five counts of aggravated assault.
Due to the incidents occurred off-campus involving students who attended Lebanon High, an additional police presence was put in place only as a precaution.
Lebanon High Principal Scott Walters sent an email to Lebanon High parents addressing the rumors.
“Please encourage your child to be careful about spreading or starting misinformation on social media,” Walters said in the email. “There is accountability for those that contribute to inciting disruption by spreading unfounded rumors.”
“There has not been any direct threat toward the school or anyone who has been placed in imminent danger,” the sheriff’s office said in a statement. “This was a proactive measure taken by both the LPD and WCSO in an effort to prevent any spill over from the off-campus incident. We will continue to have an additional presence there as we see necessary to deter any rumors that have circulated from last night.”
The sheriff’s office said any threat will not be tolerated, jokingly or intentionally, that arises in any of the schools.
“School safety always remains a top priority in maintaining a safe environment for all students, faculty and staff,” the sheriff’s office said.
Walters said in his email to parents that if there were any legitimate threats or security issues, parents and the public would be notified immediately.
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