Police respond to potential threat at WSJ

Published 1:08 pm Wednesday, August 10, 2022

Getting your Trinity Audio player ready...

EDGARD — The St. John the Baptist Parish Sheriff’s Office responded to the report of a possible imminent threat late Wednesday morning at West St. John High School.

School officials reported early Wednesday afternoon that all students are safe and the building is secure. There is currently no evidence that the threat was credible, according to a letter to parents and guardians signed by West St. John Principal Rayven Calloway.

At approximately 10:55 a.m.,  a school resource officer on campus was notified by administration that a student reported a potential threat during morning recess.

“Students were immediately put on lockdown and the building was secured,” Interim Superintendent Rebecca Johnson said. “Per the call from the SRO (school resource officer), the Sheriff’s Office dispatched units and the SWAT team immediately.”

Investigation from the St. John Sheriff’s Office revealed a student at West St. John High School called a parent to report an active shooter was on campus. Within moments, the SJSO arrived at the school and conducted a walk-through of buildings.

Officers verified there was no active shooter at the school. Officers also identified the student and learned the report of an active shooter was a rumor.

According to a Sheriff’s Office press release, officers found no malicious intent, and no charges were filed.

Sheriff Mike Tregre stresses that the St. John Parish Sheriff’s Office and the St. John Parish School System will take any and all threats at local schools seriously. All threats will be investigated; and arrests will be made, if warranted, Sheriff Tregre said.

“The SJSO will continue to work with school officials to ensure the continued safety of all students and faculty at our local schools,” Sheriff Tregre said.

In a letter to parents, Principal Calloway wrote, “We appreciate the patience, understanding, and cooperation that all parties, including faculty, staff, students, and parents, demonstrated today.”