MACOMB (WWJ) -- Students at a Macomb County middle school were dismissed early on Friday after an empty gun clip was found in the parking lot.
According to Diane Blain, the Director of School and Community Relations for the Chippewa Valley School district, Seneca Middle School was put on a "light hold," during which students were not allowed to leave the building, and parents were not allowed into the building.
The middle school, located at 47200 Heydenreich Rd. in Macomb Twp., then released students early to allow administrators and police to conduct a thorough search of the school, officials with the Chippewa Valley District said in a news release.
No weapon was found, and no threats were made against the school, the district said.
In an email, school administrators said "everyone is safe," and that the investigation into who left the clip in the parking lot was ongoing.
The complete message to parents reads as follows:
"Dear Ojibwa, Seneca, Cheyenne, and Dakota Parents,
The safety of our students and staff is always our top priority.
We are writing to let you know that an empty gun clip was found in the parking lot of Seneca Middle School this morning. No weapon was found, and no direct threat was made to our students. Everyone is safe. We are currently investigating and reviewing camera footage to determine who placed the item. All buildings are in a secure hold as the police investigate this situation.
We will keep you updated on the situation. Students are not being released at this time, they are safe at school, and no one is being allowed to enter or exit our buildings.
The field day at Ojibwa Elementary School has been suspended for the time being and students will have to stay inside. We are hoping to receive clearance from the police shortly so school operations can return to normal.
Please remind your child of the importance of appropriate behavior at school. Bringing items like this to school can result in suspension and legal consequences.
Thank you for your ongoing cooperation and support."
This incident comes on the heels of one of the worst mass shootings in U.S. history in Uvalde, Texas, where 19 3rd and 4th grade students and two teachers were killed.
