Threat Prompts Manhattan Beach Middle School Lockdown

MANHATTAN BEACH, CA — Students and teachers at Manhattan Beach Middle School sheltered in place Friday afternoon as a precaution while police investigated a threat reported by one of the students.

"Just before noon, we received word from a middle school student about a possible threat. It was heard third-hand, but it raised concerns," said Executive Assistant to the Superintendent Heather Hoffman.

As a precaution, the principal reported the threat to police for investigation, and students an teachers sheltered in place, she said.

"On top of all that, somebody pulled a fire alarm," Hoffman said.

The Manhattan Beach Police Department cleared the scene and classes resumed by 1 p.m. The incident remains under investigation. A scholar quiz scheduled for Friday had to be pushed back to next week, as a result of the incident.

Manhattan Beach Unified Superintendent Michael D. Matthews sent out the following alertto parents during the lockdown:

Just before noon, we received word from a middle school student about a possible threat he had heard. It was not a first hand or second hand threat, but still, it raised concerns. We asked police to look into the matter immediately. Just after that, a fire alarm was pulled on the middle school campus. In an abundance of caution, we put a shelter in place in effect. Classroom doors are locked and all gates are locked. Manhattan Beach Police arrived quickly at the scene and are investigating that matter. Again, all of the actions are precautionary. I will keep you posted.

THIS IS A DEVELOPING STORY. PLEASE REFRESH THE SCREEN FOR UPDATES.