False report leads to LCHS lockdown

COEUR d’ALENE — Lake City High School was locked down Wednesday morning following what was later determined to be a false report of an active shooter on school grounds.

“The information we have now suggests the threat came from outside our area, and there wasn’t ever a threat to anyone at LCHS,” according to a Coeur d’Alene Police Department news release.

Police received a report of a possible active shooter at the school around 9:30 a.m. It was one of several similar reports involving other Idaho schools Wednesday.

A school resource officer was on scene at the time of the report and LCHS was immediately locked down.

“Because the safety of our kids is paramount, all available officers from the police department, along with surrounding agencies immediately began responding to the school,” the press release said.

Within two minutes, officers arrived with more on the way.

Medical personnel from the Coeur d’Alene Fire Department also responded.

After searching the school, police determined it was a false report and began clearing the scene about 10 a.m.

Several officers remained on site as the school, which has about 1,600 students, resumed classes.

Idaho Superintendent of Public Instruction Debbie Critchfield said several schools were impacted Wednesday by threats of violence, “and that the threats do not appear to be valid.”

The Boundary County School District posted a message Wednesday morning that said, “A 911 call about an active shooter at Boundary County School District was made. Police have checked and cleared the schools as safe. Classes will continue as normal.”

State Department of Education staff have been in touch with districts and will stay apprised of the situation, Critchfield said.

"I’m thankful for the quick action from school administrators and law enforcement to ensure the safety of students in the affected schools," she said.

The Ontario School District in Oregon reported a similar situation Tuesday.

“An anonymous report was made to dispatch concerning a potential threat to student safety on the OHS campus,” a press release said. "It appears as if this same threat was made to multiple organizations throughout the state. In a coordinated effort with the Ontario Police Department and district personnel, an assessment and search revealed no present or impending threat to students. All students are safe and the school day was able to proceed as normal.”