Jackson, Mich. (WKHM) — The Napoleon Community Schools district was placed into a lockdown and was evacuated on Tuesday afternoon after multiple threats were called in, and authorities believe none of them had merit after investigation.
On May 5 at approximately 2:30 p.m., authorities with the Napoleon Township Police Department (NTPD) say an anonymous call was made to a non-emergency line at the Napoleon Township office.
The caller stated that he was at Napoleon High School with multiple weapons and intended to carry out a mass-casualty event.
That information was immediately relayed to patrol officers and the School Resource Officer assigned to Napoleon Community Schools.
At nearly the same time, a second call was received at the Columbia Township Police Department. Unlike the first caller, this individual remained on the line and provided officers with additional details regarding the alleged weapons and other potentially valuable information.
However, this caller stated the threat was at Napoleon Middle School. Napoleon Township Police Officers immediately contacted Napoleon Community Schools administration and placed the entire school district into lockdown.
With students and faculty secured in classrooms, responding officers conducted a search of all three school buildings, parking lots, surrounding properties, and adjacent areas.
Once both primary and secondary searches were completed and no threat was located, the lockdown was lifted. Officers and school staff then began a coordinated evacuation process, transporting students by bus to a reunification site where they were safely released directly to their parents or guardians.
At this time, investigators believe there was no direct threat to students or staff within Napoleon Community Schools, and the incident appears consistent with a swatting-type hoax. All calls received were made from blocked or anonymous phone numbers.
The incident remains under investigation, and every effort will be made to identify and prosecute the individual or individuals responsible.
The NTPD recognized this incident prompted an immediate and overwhelming response from nearly every law enforcement agency in Jackson County, several Jackson County fire and rescue departments, and Jackson Community Ambulance.
They extended their appreciation to all responding agencies, as well as Jackson County Central Dispatch, for their professionalism, coordination, and clear communication throughout a tense and rapidly evolving situation.
NTPD officials also wanted to recognize the effectiveness of the district’s lockdown system, as well as the professionalism, training, and execution demonstrated by the staff of Napoleon Community Schools during this event.
The community was thanked by police for remaining calm, patient, and cooperative while first responders worked to ensure the safety of all students and staff.
