(WWJ) Police swarmed John Glenn High School in Westland on Thursday on a report about a student in the building armed with a gun.
Calls came pouring into the WWJ Newsroom about the incident, from scared parents whose children told them the school building was on lockdown and that it was not a drill.
According to Westland Police Chief Jeff Jedrusik, the situation unfolded at around noon when there was a fight between students in a bathroom.
Out of that, Jedrusik said, came the threat or rumor that one of the students involved had a gun.
School security then put the building on lockdown, and called Westland Police.
Nicholas Brown posted a screenshot of texts on a Westland community Facebook page from her son at the school, who wrote: "Just thought I let you know we're in lockdown. There is threats that someone has a gun and the school is filled with cops." He added that he did not hear any shots fired.
Police officers responded to the school, searched the building, and a student the chief called a "person of interest" was taken into custody.
Jedrusik said no weapon was found, and the student has since been released to his parents, pending further investigation.
No injuries were reported, and the chief wanted to assure the community that all students are safe.
Speaking live on WWJ Newsradio 950, Jedrusik said: "I just wanted to make sure that we could share that there was a report of a student who came to school with a gun. We were able to secure that student, and at this point in time we searched the building and the building is secure and the building is safe. So we're lifting the lockdown, and parents can be advised that there's no violence here and that school be dismissed at the normal time."
Related
Michelle Bowers went to the school to pick up her daughter, who texted to let her know what was going on.
"I was terrified, yes, I was very fearful," Bower's told WWJ's Jon Hewett. "And this is not the first time this has happened here. I don't know...something needs to be done."
"It should be some type of metal detectors, or something like that at the door so that way they know when someone's coming in with something, you know?" she added. "I don't know, I'm sorry. My nerves are still like really frazzled right now so I apologize."
Other parents at the school told Hewett they they were pleased with the police response, and the way the situation was handled.
The high school, which is part of the Wayne-Westland Community Schools district, serves families in Westland, Canton Township, Inkster and Dearborn Heights.
The Westland PD said an investigation into the incident by both police and the school is ongoing, adding: "The safety of our students is top priority for both the Westland Police Department and the Wayne-Westland School District."
Wayne-Westland Superintendent John Dignan issued the following statement, later in the day:
"Today, out of an abundance of caution, John Glenn High School was placed on a lockdown while the Westland Police Department conducted an investigation. All students and staff were, and are safe, and there was no immediate threat. The safety and security of our students and staff are our top priority, and we appreciate the Westland Police Department for their quick response. John Glenn High School will continue with its regularly scheduled extracurricular activities this afternoon and evening."
Related
