By Staff Report
Vernon Middle School was on lockdown Tuesday following the report of an alleged gun threat received through the FortifyFL app.
Just after 11 a.m., the Washington County Sheriff’s Office received information through the app that a student was in possession of a gun on the VMS campus.
Washington County Sheriff’s Office School Resource Deputies and Washington County School District personnel took immediate action in securing the school with lockdown procedures. WCSO reports an investigation found the accusations to be false. The student responsible for making the false threat was located and is facing criminal charges of disruption of a school function for making the false claim.
After law enforcement officials determined there was no credible threat, classes resumed as normal.
FortifyFL is a suspicious activity reporting tool that allows users to instantly relay information to appropriate law enforcement agencies and school officials. WCSO encourages parents to speak with their children about reporting suspicious behaviors or activities.
Hannah Collins