PEA RIDGE, Ark. — Pea Ridge Junior High School was placed on lockdown Monday morning following an unconfirmed report of a student who allegedly had a weapon, according to the Pea Ridge Police Department (PRPD).
Authorities said there is no active threat at the junior high or any other Pea Ridge school campus, and officers are on the scene investigating the situation.
At 11 a.m., the PRPD released a statement confirming that a student reported being threatened by another student who claimed they brought a weapon to school.
School officials and an on-campus resource officer "took immediate action by calling for additional support from local law enforcement" before the campus was placed on lockdown and searched, according to PRPD. No weapons were found, and the school was able to resume classes.
After the lockdown was initiated, rumors circulated within the school about an unidentified student seen with an object resembling a weapon in a hallway, PRPD spokesperson Lt. John Langham said. School officials report that no one has been able to identify the student involved, and the claims remain unverified, according to Langham.
In a statement, Langham emphasized that the investigation is being conducted out of an abundance of caution.
"While we have low confidence that a weapon exists, we cannot overlook any reports in today’s climate of school safety," he said. "Our officers are taking this allegation very seriously and are working diligently to ensure the safety of all students."
Stay with 5NEWS for the latest on this developing story.
