A Montgomery County elementary school went on immediate lockdown Tuesday morning after a student reported seeing a gun on the school’s campus.
According to reporting in clarksvillenow.com, Rossview Elementary School in Clarksville locked down after the early morning report. Rossview High School and Rossville Middle School were placed on “lockout,” which bars entry to the school.
As of 9:45 a.m. local time, no threats had been identified, but authorities from the Montgomery County Sheriff’s Office (MCSO) were still on-site, ensuring no danger to students or faculty.
Minutes later, the Clarksville-Montgomery County School System (CMCSS) emailed the parents of the children at Rossview Elementary.
“Many families are showing up to the school, and law enforcement has indicated this is creating safety concerns,” that email said. “They are asking that any families who are arriving on scene to please go to Lifepoint Church. Law enforcement representatives will be on scene to provide updates. We will continue to keep families updated.”
At 11:05 a.m., authorities finally gave the all-clear.
According to the report, a student reported to school staff that they had seen a person dressed in black toting a gun inside the school. The school resource officer was immediately notified, and MCSO sent a caravan of additional units.
Motorists reported seeing dozens of police vehicles headed towards the school.
At 11:25 a.m., Anthony Johnson, a spokesperson for the school district, said security footage had been reviewed but that there was no evidence to corroborate the student’s story.
“We understand how terrifying these situations are for families and that some may choose to pick up their child from school,” said Johnson. “Rossview Elementary families may check students out at the front of the school. Please have your ID ready. We ask for your patience as there could be delays, but we have additional staff ready to assist with check outs.”
“We want to reiterate our appreciation for the Montgomery County Sheriff’s Office and the Clarksville Police Department for their rapid response and bravery to enter the building with no hesitation to keep our students and employees safe,” he said.
School is back in session, and social workers and counselors have been made available for anyone at the school who may have been traumatized by the event.
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Pete D’Abrosca is a reporter at The Tennessee Star and The Star News Network. Follow Pete on Twitter.
Photo “Rossview Elementary School” by Rossview Elementary School PTO.
