Local

NHCSO: Another hoax suspected after active shooter threat locks down Holly Shelter Middle School

WHQR

Published December 6, 2022 at 5:09 PM EST

Holly Shelter Middle School in northern New Hanover County.

Holly Shelter Middle School was placed on lockdown following a phone threat about an active shooter, according to the New Hanover County Schools district. Law enforcement believes it to be a hoax — but can't yet confirm if it's related to last week's wave of hoaxes that struck schools across the state.

Shortly after 4 p.m. the Holly Shelter Middle School, located in Castle Hayne in the northern part of New Hanover County, was placed on lockdown. As of 5 p.m., access to the school was being restricted and all students and staff were being kept inside.

Law enforcement confirmed they have performed three sweeps of the campus; no injuries and no evidence of gunfire have been found. The New Hanover County Sheriff’s Office says it believes this to be another quote “swatting call,” a hoax designed to elicit law enforcement responses.

The Sheriff’s Office could not yet confirm if the call was similar to a wave of hoaxes last week that targeted New Hanover High School, along with over ten schools around the state.

Note: This is a developing story, for more details will be added as they become available.