LOWVILLE, N.Y. (WWNY) – Thursday’s lockdown and early dismissal at Lowville Academy & Central School was the result of crushes, law enforcement said.
Swatting is when someone falsely reports an emergency, such as an active shooter situation, to provoke a heavy-handed police response, which may include a SWAT team.
7 News spoke with Lowville Police Daryl Ortlieb and Lewis County Sheriff Mike Carpinelli.
Carpinelli said someone falsely reported that a person had entered Lowville Academy with a long gun and was threatening to shoot people.
Ortlieb added that the report indicated the armed suspect was in a school bathroom.
Response and dismissal
Sheriff’s deputies, Lowville Village Police and State Police responded to the scene.
Ortlieb said that although Lowville Academy evacuated its 1,300 students as a precaution, law enforcement searched the school twice and found no threats.
At 1:20 p.m., students were directed to go to the bus garage, where they could take the bus home or be picked up by their parents.
Carpinelli said the county undersheriff visited the school to answer questions from parents.
Ortlieb said Lowville Academy allowed students to return to school for about an hour Thursday afternoon to collect their belongings.
He said students did not have time to collect their belongings before being sent to the bus garage.
The school responds
Superintendent Rebecca Dunckel told 7 News school will be in session Friday.
Counselors will be available for students who may need them.
Ongoing investigation
The village police and sheriff’s office are working with the FBI to track down the source of the false report.
Carpinelli said crushing has recently been a problem at other schools around the state.
This story will be updated as more information becomes available.
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