DeLAND, Fla. – A student who reported a shooting threat that caused a lockdown at DeLand High School on Thursday lied about overhearing the violent comment, according to the DeLand Police Department.
Volusia County Public School officials said the school was placed under the lockdown at 11:10 a.m. Thursday after a student reported hearing another student tell someone he was going to “shoot someone.” The lockdown was lifted around 1:30 p.m.
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DeLand police said the lockdown was in place as a precaution while the rumor was investigated.
Around 4:30 p.m. Thursday, police said they determined that the 17-year-old boy who reported the threat made up the story to get out of school.
The teen is charged with disruption of a school function.
DeLand High School is on lockdown as a precaution. Officers are on scene investigating an apparent rumor overhead at school. We will provide updates as we receive them.
— DeLand Police (@DeLandPD) February 20, 2020
“Even if it was a rumor, we have to take all of these very seriously,” a spokesperson for the district said.
After searching every classroom, police cleared the scene and the lockdown was lifted.
DeLand High lockdown has been lifted. Officers searched every classroom. Information that was provided has not been confirmed as factual. Officers will continue their investigation.
— DeLand Police (@DeLandPD) February 20, 2020
The investigation is ongoing, police said.
The lockdown came moments after a middle school in Osceola County was under a lockdown after a report of a possible gun on campus. No gun was found and that lockdown was lifted about 30 minutes later, according to police.
No other details were immediately available.
This is a developing story. Stay with News 6 and ClickOrlando.com for updates.