Lockdown level reduced at Silsbee High School

May 6, 2009 - 1:52 PM

   Silsbee Police tell KFDM News a lockdown at the high school prompted by a telephone threat was eased Wednesday afternoon with no weapons discovered and no injuries to students or staff.

   Students were allowed to resume going to classes after being told to remain in their homerooms for most of the day.

Statement from Silsbee ISD Superintendent Richard Bain:

A phone threat was made this morning and Silsbee High School went into lockdown mode.  Law enforcement began their investigation, and are still investigating.  Two dogs from Jefferson County were brought in to assist the Hardin County Sheriff's Department and Silsbee Police Department in a search of the campus, and nothing was found. 

As of now, Silsbee High School is in a "Green Lockdown" mode, which means students are allowed to change classes, but aren't allowed to leave class except for emergency reasons.  Classroom doors and exterior doors are still locked, and law enforcement is still on premises.  School will be dismissed on schedule and will resume on schedule in the morning.

   A telephone caller who threatened to bring guns into Silsbee High School prompted the lockdown at the school early Wednesday morning.

   Students remained in their homeroom classes throughout the day.

  Chief Dennis Allen of the Silsbee Police Department tells KFDM News a person called Silsbee High School at 7:55 a.m. Wednesday and threatened to "bring guns into the school." 

   Law enforcement officers searched the school with K-9 units and didn't find any weapons.

   Students were kept in their homerooms and didn't go from class to class.  They were allowed to use the restrooms and they've eaten lunch in their classrooms.

   The district placed the school under lockdown because superintendent Richard Bain says the "safety of students and staff are our top priority."

   Police and sheriff's officers are at the campus.

   Law enforcement officers say anyone accused of making a threat against a school will face criminal charges.  A student making a threat also faces the possibility of explusion.

   School will end at the regular time Wednesday.

   KFDM has a news crew at the school. 

   Watch KFDM News at Noon, 5,6 and 10 for the latest on the story.