UPDATE: Deltaplex News has been informed by multiple law enforcement sources that a 12-year-old girl has been arrested in connection to Tuesday’s anonymous call to the 911 command center claiming an active shooter was in the Watson Chapel School District.
Deltaplex News will have more information as this becomes available.
UPDATE: The Pine Bluff Police Department has released the following statement on Tuesday’s incident:
At approximately 11:51 am today, the Metropolitan Emergency Communications Association (MECA) received a call reporting a potential active shooter at Watson Chapel. When dispatchers attempted to gather more information, the caller disconnected. The call originated near LL Owens Elementary School (3605 Oakwood Road), the current location for Watson Chapel Jr. High.
In response, officers from the Pine Bluff Police Department, joined by Jefferson County Sheriff’s deputies, arrived swiftly on the scene. Law enforcement teams began a comprehensive search of the area and are actively monitoring all schools within the Watson Chapel School District.
As of this update, there have been no further reports or witnesses indicating any active threat on any school campus in the district. Our officers remain on-site and vigilant, continuing their assessments to ensure that all students and staff remain safe.
*** Officers are still investigating who communicated the false threat and the individual responsible will be charged to the fullest extent of the law.
We understand that this situation may cause concern. Please know that the Pine Bluff Police Department and Jefferson County Sheriff’s Office are working in close coordination with school officials and district staff to maintain a secure environment.
Thank you to the community for your patience and trust in our commitment to protecting our schools.
UPDATE: Deltaplex News has received a statement from the Watson Chapel School District regarding the false report of an active shooter.
That statement is as follows:
At approximately 11:45 am, Tuesday, November 12, a young lady called in anonymously to the 911 command center claiming an active shooter was in the Watson Chapel School District. Local law enforcement were dispatched to all campuses who immediately responded with their lockdown protocols on their arrival.
Local law enforcement and the district security director cleared the buildings within 5 minutes.
No injuries have come to any student or staff and there was no indication of an active shooter onsite.
This is an ongoing investigation. The district administration and security director are working with local law enforcement to identify the perpetrator.
We continue to work to ensure the safety of students and staff as it remains our top priority.
UPDATE:
Now we are being told that the report was of an active shooter at “Watson Chapel Schools”. The report didn’t list which school and all schools are being searched.
ORIGINAL REPORT:
UPDATE:
According to multiple law enforcement personnel there was a report of an incident involving a gun at Watson Chapel High School. The report was FALSE.
We will update with more information when it becomes available.
