AUSTIN (Talk1370.com) -- Akins Early College High School in south Austin was placed on lockdown for nearly three hours Wednesday morning, after a report of three students possibly in possession of a handgun in a bathroom on the campus.
Austin ISD Police Chief Ashley Gonzalez said the campus, which is located in south Austin off of South 1st Street, went on "lockdown" shortly before 10 a.m. Wednesday morning.
Gonzalez said no shots were fired during the incident, and all students and staff remained safe throughout the lockdown. One of the students involved was found to be in possession of two ammunition magazines, one of which contained 380-caliber ammunition. No actual weapon was located, Gonzalez said.
According to AISD's emergency protocols and training drills, a "lockdown" means that staff and students are to stay behind a locked door, shut off the lights, remain seated and quiet, and out of sight while officials work to clear a potential threat inside the school.
Akins HS currently on LOCKDOWN while @AISDPolice investigate a report of an armed subject@AkinsAISD @AustinISD @aisdparents pic.twitter.com/FhGXRchIXZ
— Chief Ashley A. Gonzalez (@chiefagonzalez) December 1, 2021
After officers were able to ensure that the campus was secure and the threat had been de-escalated, the campus transitioned to a "hold" status around 12:30 p.m., which means students and staff should remain where they are and continue class.
During the lockdown, district officials were urging parents to refrain from coming to the campus while crews worked to continue the investigation. Once the lockdown was lifted, parents were able to come to the campus to check out their students if they wished.
Gonzalez said the three individuals involved have been identified, and will not be back on the campus tomorrow. The investigation into the incident is ongoing, with any potential criminal and administrative punishments still to be determined.
AISD officials say additional officers as well as counselors will be available on the Akins campus Thursday to support students and staff.
