UPDATE: Lockdown lifted at Cape schools
Update 3 p.m.: The Delaware State Police continues to investigate threats made March 2 to multiple schools and is offering a cash reward for information leading to an arrest.
Numerous phone calls regarding the threat of an active shooter at various schools throughout the state were made to several police departments this morning prompting police to respond, said Sr. Cpl. Jason Hatchell of the Delaware State Police. Similar incidents were reported at facilities in other states, he said.
Police say the calls were a hoax and a form of “swatting” - a prank call made to emergency services in an attempt to generate a large police response at a particular address. In 2016, dozens of schools and facilities in Delaware received similar calls, causing evacuations and disruptions.
The DSP is working with allied law enforcement agencies to thoroughly investigate this incident and ensure the safety of our children and the community as a whole, Hatcell said. “We encourage you to contact your local school district for additional information pertaining to a specific school,” he said.
Anyone with information regarding this incident is asked to call Delaware Crime Stoppers at 1-800-847-3333. Anyone who provides information leading to a successful arrest is eligible for a cash reward of up to $5,000. To report any suspicious activity, call 911 or the Delaware Anti-Terrorism Tip Line at 1-800- 367-2312.
Update 11:45: The lockdown has been lifted at Cape Henlopen School District schools.
Statement from Cape Henlopen School District: “After consulting with law enforcement, it’s been determined that there is no credible threat to the students in the Cape Henlopen School District. At this time, we are lifting the low-level lockdown for each of our schools and students will resume their normal school day and after-school activities. We will continue to have an increase in police presence throughout the school day as an extra precaution. We appreciate everyone’s support over these last few hours. Your cooperation and understanding in our efforts to keep your children safe are greatly appreciated.”
Original post: Cape Henlopen School District schools and others throughout the state are in lockdown as law enforcement investigates threats called in to local police. As a result, no one is being permitted into schools or parking lots. Students and teachers at Cape High report seeing armed law enforcement officers outside the school.
Statement from Cape Henlopen School District: “We have been informed that there has been a threat called into Lewes Police Department where an individual has made a threat towards schools. There’s been a series of calls with the same message throughout the state to other districts and they are being investigated by law enforcement. At this point, it does not appear to be credible, but as a precaution, we have placed our schools on a low-level lockdown and our emergency response procedures have been activated. There will also be an increase in police presence at all of our schools. Please do not report to the schools at this time. We will provide further information as it becomes available and will update the community within the next two hours.”
Delaware State Police said they are actively investigating threats made to multiple schools, but there have been no safety concerns or threats identified at this time. “DSP is actively working with the schools as they initiate protocols to ensure the safety of all students and staff,” a statement read.
Officers are still at multiple schools throughout the state conducting patrols to ensure everyone's safety. “We are working with the [Delaware Department of Education] to gather more information,” police said.
