New Details Emerge From Pennsbury High School Lockdown

FALLSINGTON, PA —New details have emerged on the lockdown of the Pennsbury High School campus on Tuesday morning that was lifted about a half hour later.

Schools Superintendent Thomas A. Smith and PHS Campus Principal Reggie Meadows sent a follow-up notice to Pennsbury families to review the events that transpired after the campus was locked down after a student reported hearing a “gunshot” coming from a nearby neighborhood.

School officials said that the high school held a 10-minute emergency drill that ended around 10 a.m. Tuesday with school operations returning to normal.

An email about the drill was sent around 10:15 a.m., school officials said.

Shortly after the drill concluded, the following occurred:

• 10:54 a.m. —As students began to change classes, a student reported that they heard a “gunshot” coming from a nearby neighborhood. Students on the path were instructed to return to their buildings. The police were called immediately.
• 10:56 a.m. —The following announcement was made “Due to an incident reported by staff members hearing a noise outside, the building is being placed on secure.” Police investigated the origin of the sound.
• 11:05 a.m. —An update was sent to staff using our electronic communication system.
• 11:20 a.m. —Police cleared the area, and a communication was sent to PHS parents and students.
• 11:25 a.m. —Principal Meadows made a follow-up announcement, informing the students and staff of what occurred, and the “secure” order was lifted.

"As we shared previously, the police investigated and believe the sound was generated by landscaping equipment being used nearby," school officials said.

"We understand the stress and fear caused by incidents such as these," school officials said. "By all indications, this was a false alarm, but we commend the students and staff for their quick action and for following the safety plans we have in place."

Falls Township Police remained on the high school campus for the rest of the day.