Details Emerge About Pennsbury High School Lockdown

FALLSINGTON, PA —School officials have provided more details regarding an altercation between a student that led to a temporary lockdown and the alleged assault of a Falls Township police officer at Pennsbury High School West Tuesday morning.

Around 11:10 a.m. Tuesday, the High School West campus went into lockdown, stemming from an altercation between a student and a police officer, school officials said. The lockdown lasted for about 5-7 minutes while the student was removed from the building.

"We cannot offer specific details, but we assure you that disciplinary action will be taken in accordance with Pennsbury's Student Code of Conduct," Schools Superintendent Thomas A. Smith and Pennsbury High School Campus Principal Reggie Meadows said in the update.

School officials said the Falls Township Police Department is involved. And despite social media reports, no weapons were involved in the incident.

Classroom instruction resumed shortly after the lockdown ended. Several staffers discussed the incident with students. Prior to this afternoon’s dismissal, Meadows addressed students and held a meeting with staff after school.

No students were disciplined for leaving campus during the lockdown, school officials said.

"We want to commend students, staff, and the Falls Township Police Department for their quick response," the update stated. "We recognize that today’s incident caused stress and anxiety for everyone —students, staff, and parents. Sharing the details of the reason for the lockdown with students and staff sooner would have alleviated a lot of unnecessary worry. This has already been discussed and will be rectified moving forward. Regardless, in today’s world, this is a real fear that we all live with. We try our best to be sensitive to that, but sometimes, safety protocols will necessitate a lockdown."

Next Steps
Principal Meadows is addressing students Wednesday to review what transpired and provide opportunities for students and staff to process what occurred. Counseling support will be available to students and staff throughout the day.