Weapons report prompts brief lockdown at East Ridge High School

East Ridge High School briefly went into lockdown Wednesday morning after school officials received a report that a student brought a weapon to school.

According to a letter from Principal Jim Smokrovich that was sent to families, staff immediately put the school into lockdown after receiving the weapons report. Woodbury police were called and found a student had brought an unloaded airsoft gun into the building.

No injuries were reported and the lockdown ended at 11:42 a.m., nine minutes after it started, according to the school.

“Airsoft pellet guns are not toys and students who bring weapons to school face serious consequences. We take situations like this seriously and will follow our standard discipline procedures as outlined in the Student Rights and Responsibilities Handbook,” Smokrovich said in the letter.

Police are still investigating.

The principal’s full letter can be seen below.

Dear East Ridge High School Families,

I’m writing to let you know about a situation that occurred at school this morning.

We received a report that a student may have brought a weapon to school. Staff responded immediately by putting the school into a lockdown, moving students out of the hallways and into locked rooms. Woodbury Police Department responded, located the student and found an unloaded airsoft gun – a gun that typically uses plastic pellets. Police are continuing their investigation.

All students are safe.

Airsoft pellet guns are not toys and students who bring weapons to school face serious consequences. We take situations like this seriously and will follow our standard discipline procedures as outlined in the Student Rights and Responsibilities Handbook.

Schools are safe places to be and we strive to do everything it takes to make sure it stays that way. We also apologize for any anxiety this situation caused your child. Please remind your student that it is important for them to report any concerns they have about school to a trusted adult.

Thank you for supporting your child and East Ridge High School.

Sincerely,

Jim Smokrovich, Principal
East Ridge High School