Elementary School Shooting Threat Forces Schools Into Lockout

PORT CHESTER, NY — A phone call threatening a shooting at a Port Chester elementary school triggered a massive police response and a lockout at all of the district's schools.

The ongoing lockout means no one is allowed into school buildings. Police said the move was made "out of an abundance of caution."

As an added layer of security, there currently is both a uniformed and plainclothes presence at the schools in the Port Chester district, according to officials.

"Our Detective's with the help of outside Federal agencies are vigorously attempting to track down the origin of the call and to locate the caller," PCPD said in a statement released Wednesday afternoon. "We are working closely with the School district to relay any information that is obtained. There will be an increased Police presence until further notice."

Anyone with information about the threat is asked to call PCPD at 914-939-6332.

The Port Chester-Rye Union Free School District released the following statement shortly before noon on Wednesday:

This is an important message from the Port Chester School District. In accordance with District emergency management protocols and in cooperation with the Port Chester police department, all schools have been placed in lockout until further notice due to an anonymous threat call to Park Ave. Elementary School.

All outside activities have been moved inside of the building where normal school operations are continuing. All students and staff are safe and accounted for. The campus is temporarily closed to all vehicular and pedestrian traffic. All non-emergency visits to the building will be suspended until the lockout is lifted. We appreciate your patience and cooperation. We will provide detailed follow-up communications shortly.