A lockdown at Lake Ridge New Tech Middle School Wednesday, which was triggered by a report of a weapon on the campus, led a distressed parent outside the school to notify police incorrectly of an active shooter at the school, located at 3601 W. 41st Ave. in Calumet Township.
Principal Robert Wilson alerted parents to the incident in a social media post on Wednesday.
He said school officials received a report from a student about a weapon on campus about 8:45 a.m.
The school initiated a lockdown and officials began a search of the building.
Wilson said a BB gun was located and confiscated. Wilson called it “a non-lethal imitation device.”
He said the school handled the incident quickly and effectively and disciplinary action would be taken in accordance with district policy.
“Unfortunately, during this time, a distressed parent outside the school also made a call reporting an active shooter situation. Please know that at no point was there an active shooter on campus. The incident involved only the imitation device described above and that there was no ongoing threat to our students or staff,” Wilson said.
Wilson said look-alike weapons — including toy guns, BB guns, airsoft devices, or any other imitation items — should never be brought to school.
“Even when not intended to cause harm, these items can be mistaken for real weapons, create fear, and present significant safety concerns.”
Wilson said the district would treat such devices as real weapons for disciplinary purposes.
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Wilson commended the student who notified officials of the BB gun. “Their responsible action enabled staff and authorities to respond quickly and ensure the safety of everyone on campus,” he said.
Carole Carlson is a freelance reporter for the Post-Tribune.