Moore County Schools says Southern Middle School was placed on lockdown Thursday morning after the school received a call reporting a threat.
According to Aberdeen Police Chief Brian Chavis, law enforcement responded to reports of a possible shooter at the school.
Chavis said officers with the Aberdeen Police Department broke out a window to gain entry into the building as officers began searching the campus.
The Moore County Sheriff’s Office and North Carolina State Highway Patrol assisted in establishing a perimeter around the school and conducting a search of the campus, according to Chavis.
Authorities said they have not been able to locate a threat or shooter.
Moore County Schools said the campus was later cleared and determined safe to return to normal operations, with the school resuming its normal schedule. Officials added there would be an increased law enforcement presence on campus for the remainder of the school day “out of an abundance of caution.”
Officials said there were no injuries reported. However, one student passed out during the incident and was evaluated.
Additional counseling support services are also being made available for students and employees who may need assistance following the incident.
Moore County Schools said student checkout procedures for the remainder of the day would take place from the school’s bus parking lot.
Parents are being asked to pull forward in line while a staff member collects the student’s name, retrieves the student and escorts them to the vehicle. School officials warned the process may take additional time and encouraged families with appointments or afternoon activities to plan accordingly.
Authorities have not released additional details about the reported threat or whether any charges are expected.
A Moore County native who has spent more than 20 years telling stories across North Carolina and beyond. He’s worked with CNN, WRAL, and CBS 17, and now serves as a Video Journalist for ABC11. Patrick has a passion for breaking news and has earned multiple awards for his coverage. He’s also a certified NWS SKYWARN Storm Spotter and was among the first news videographers in the state to become an FAA-certified drone pilot.
