Lockdown Lifted At Colfax Elementary School After Tip Claimed Student Had Gun

Follow KDKA-TV: Facebook | Twitter

PITTSBURGH (KDKA) – Colfax Elementary School was placed on lockdown due to a tip claiming a student had a weapon.

The school is located in the 2300 block of Beechwood Boulevard in Squirrel Hill.

According to police, someone called the school around 10 a.m. and said there was a gun inside the building.

Police put the two buildings on lockdown and didn't let anyone enter or leave. Police searched every student, every backpack, every locker and classroom and did not find a weapon.

"The school is clear. We did go through each of the classrooms and searched all the students as well as the lockers and we are safe," Pittsburgh Public Schools Assistant Superintendent Melissa Friez said.

Police slowly cleared the 6-8 grade building first and then moved to the K-5 building.

Police are now investigating the source of the anonymous phone call.

"It's still undetermined if this was a credible threat. Police, Public Safety as well as the FBI will be trying to figure out who made the call," Pittsburgh Police Public Information Officer Chris Tognieri said.

Parents were frantically texting with their children the entire time.

"He said. 'I'm fine. We just have to stay in our rooms. What did the school say was happening?' and I just let him know. He said, 'Okay we didn't get any info.' He's going to let me know when it's over and I love him," one woman said.

"He said they had the police check the rooms, they had them go through metal detectors, another parent said the dogs came through the rooms, they're just checking everything. which I'm so grateful for.. so incredibly grateful for.. but they don't need to be put through this," Jennie Pelled said.

There are no plans for an early dismissal, but parents are being allowed to pick up their kids.

Stay With KDKA.com For More Details