Hopwood Junior High School was placed on “Shelter in Place” protocol after a disturbing the peace incident was reported on campus, Tuesday morning.
ADMIRAL Herbert G. Hopwood Middle School was placed on “Shelter in Place” protocol after a disturbing the peace incident was reported on campus Tuesday morning, the Department of Public Safety said.
In an official statement, Assistant Chief of Police Simon Manacop said an initial investigation revealed “that a male student had threatened and pointed a handgun [at] other students inside a restroom.”
Following further investigation, it was learned that the weapon was a BB gun.
“After the incident was reported by the students, a shelter in place procedure was then initiated by the school,” Manacop said.
Criminal Investigation Bureau detectives later “made contact with the suspect at a building in Chalan Piao across from the school,” he added.
“Further investigation led to the recovery of an air type toy pistol from the suspect’s residence located in Chalan Kanoa,” Manacop said.
At 12:15 p.m., an all clear was announced, and the Shelter in Place protocol was lifted.
“The situation has been contained and all students and staff are safe at this time,” the Public School System said.
“The suspect … was not arrested. He has been released to his parents pending further investigation,” Manacop said.
‘Safety remains a priority’
Commissioner of Education Dr. Lawrence F. Camacho on Tuesday said the safety and security of all public education stakeholders — students, teachers, staff, parents, and other community members — remain a priority.
“Our strengthened partnership with relevant departments, particularly the Department of Public Safety, is part of our overall plan that ensures that our schools remain safe for all of our public education stakeholders,” Camacho said.
“We conduct drills on a regular basis to stay current and as part of a plan to ensure maximum protection and safety for everyone in all of our public elementary, middle, and high schools,” he added.
