Mohawk Central School locked down both of its school buildings Tuesday afternoon as the result of a reported threat.
At 2:15 p.m. on Tuesday at the recommendation of the Mohawk Village Police Department, the Harry M. Fisher Elementary School and Gregory B. Jarvis Jr.-Sr. High School went into a lockdown, according to a release issued by School Superintendent Joyce Caputo.
The action by Mohawk Central School District resulted from threats made against other students by a 15-year-old male student who then left the school, according to reports. Police searched the village for the student, who was later found.
Caputo stated in a release that at all times students were safe and described the lockdown as a precaution in accordance with the school safety plan.
At 3:15 p.m., bus students were released to their buses, upon recommendation of the police department, and at approximately 4 p.m. the police lifted the lockdown allowing the buses to depart, according to the release. Students were allowed to exit the school one bus-load at a time.
“We (the school) take the safety of our students and our staff very seriously and will always err on the side of caution when making decisions.” stated Caputo in the release.
Students who normally walk home from Fisher Elementary School were not released until a parent arrived to sign them out, with several still at the school as of 5:30 p.m., according to a report by a parent.
According to reports, despite rumors to the contrary, there was no gun at either school at any time.
Numerous calls to the Mohawk Police Department were not returned.