TRENTON (WWJ) — Trenton High School students are home safe after being dismissed later than normal Thursday afternoon as police investigated following the discovery of a bullet on school grounds.
Trenton Public School Superintendent Douglas Mentzer sent a letter to parents Thursday afternoon notifying them of “a situation that has arisen within our school community that necessitates immediate action and your understanding.”
Mentzer said the high school was placed on soft lockdown after a single, live bullet was found on the premises during routine security procedures. It was not immediately clear where the bullet was found.
“While we have no evidence of an imminent threat, we are taking every precaution to ensure the safety of everyone within our school,” Mentzer’s letter said.
In a late afternoon update, officials said the students were finally released just before 5 p.m., several hours later than normal.
School officials had been working closely with local law enforcement to thoroughly investigate the situation and determine the origin of the bullet. As a safety precaution, school dismissal was delayed until the situation was resolved in cooperation with the Trenton Police Department.
“Please know that we are taking all necessary steps to maintain a secure environment for our students and staff,” the letter said.
The incident comes two days after a similar incident at Dearborn High School. A shell casing was found in the building, prompting a soft lockdown. Officials with multiple local and federal agencies were at the school to investigate.
On Thursday, Mentzer acknowledged that the incident in Trenton “may cause an inconvenience,” but wanted parents and community members to know that it is “being done with the safety of our school community in mind.”
School officials told parents to not come to the school until an update had been provided.
“We want to reassure you that we are doing everything possible to address this situation swiftly and effectively. Rest assured that we will keep you updated with any new information as it becomes available,” his letter said. “We understand that situations like these can be unsettling, and we appreciate your cooperation and understanding during this time. If you have any questions or concerns, please do not hesitate to reach out to us.”
The incidents in Trenton and Dearborn come the same week that Jennifer Crumbley, the mother of the Oxford High School shooter, was convicted of involuntary manslaughter in connection with her son's killing of four students in November 2021.
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