ROCHESTER Hills (WWJ) -- A gun scare at an Oakland County high school prompted a lockdown, evacuation and search at Stoney Creek High School in Rochester Hills on Tuesday.
The Oakland County Sheriff's Office said it is investigating a reported threat at the school, at 6755 Sheldon Road, shortly before noon on Tuesday.
Officials said the building was put on lockdown shortly before noon by the school's principal after a student told a school official there was another student armed with a gun, and another student claimed to have heard a gunshot in the building.
Police responded to the school, setting up a command post, and sheriff's deputies and Rochester police officers searched and cleared each room of the school to ensure the safety of students, faculty, and staff.
Students and faculty remained in their classrooms until cleared by law enforcement, and then were evacuated.
"We take every threat seriously and fully investigate them," Sheriff Michael Bouchard said, in a statement. "Nothing has been located that was a credible concern. Contrary to a false media report, no body was found, and no one was injured."
The all clear was given following the initial investigation, it is believed that the claims made by the two students were unfounded, according to the sheriff's office that added: "Currently Stoney Creek High School is clear of any threats."
WWJ's Jon Hewett reported authorities are investigating what prompted a lockdown alarm at the school to go off, as school officials said they do not believe anyone intentionally pushed a button to set it off. Whether it was a malfunction or not is to be determined.
Gabriel, a freshman, said he fled when he heard the alarm.
"I heard sirens and that, and I just ran," he said. "I full-fledged just ran out, found these two construction workers that were really friendly to me and I stayed with them and called my dad to pick me up."
School officials said in a 2:15 p.m. update that police searched and cleared the high school building, and that "all students and staff are safe."
School officials said high school students were returned to their 4th hour classrooms. Attendance was taken, all students have been accounted for, and that dismissal would continue as normally scheduled.
As a precaution, the schools district temporarily placed Hart Middle School and Hugger and North Hill Elementary Schools on lockdown. Those buildings also received an all clear from law enforcement.
The district said parents should note that transportation may be delayed throughout the district as a result of this incident.
The district said that social-emotional wellness teams would be made available at Stoney Creek High School to provide support. Families are encouraged to check their email for additional information and resources.
The investigation is ongoing.
