Bullet Look-Alike Used in Construction Brings Police to Rockville High School

A "power load" for a construction tool was found at Rockville High School on Wednesday morning and it caused a brief stir until it could be identified as being harmless, police and school administrators said.

Police said the call came in at about 10 a.m. after a student found it.

A power load resembles a .22-cal bullet. Workers were busy in the athletic  office over the weekend and despite a detailed cleaning, missed one of the power loads, Conway said.

"They felt awful that they mised this one item," Conway said.

Conway said the entire operation was low-key.

Police said the school was never locked down, but it took about an hour to  figure out it was construction-related. That's how closely the bullets and power loads resemble each other, police said. 

Conway issued the following statement:

Good Afternoon,

This is Dr. Mary Conway, Superintendent of Schools in Vernon.

I am calling to provide you with information about a situation today at Rockville High School. An object similar to a blank used in a track and field starter pistol was found near the football locker room and brought to the attention of the high school administration. 

The Vernon Police Department was notified and immediately responded to the high school. It was determined that this object was a blank used for construction purposes in a concrete nail gun. 

Administration from the high school, other school officials and I met with members of the Vernon Police Department and determined that the building was safe and clearance was given to continue the school day.

Please note that the response of our Vernon Police Department was outstanding and, while we are very grateful that we did not have a true emergency on our hands, we feel confident in the actions and collaborative work of our local police department. We are in good hands.

If you have questions about this incident, please contact my office. I thank you for your attention and have a good day.