The Oconee County Sheriff’s Office reports that shortly after 1 p.m. today, a silent alert designed for schools and organizations to instantly signal for help, known as a Centegix alert, was activated at Northside Elementary School in Seneca after a report of shots fired in the area.
All students, faculty, and staff were confirmed safe, and there is no indication that any shots were fired at or on school property.
After a thorough search of the surrounding area, deputies determined the sound was likely caused by a vehicle backfiring, and the school is returning to normal operations.