SOUTHWEST MIAMI-DADE, FLA. (WSVN) - Authorities have given the all clear at Christopher Columbus High School and another nearby campus in Southwest Miami-Dade following a report of a potentially armed person that led the schools to be placed on lockdown, officials said.
Miami-Dade Sheriff’s Office deputies conducted a “thorough search” of Columbus High, as well as St. Brendan Catholic Church and its school campuses, Wednesday morning.
Officials said they responded immediately to a report of a potential armed subject on the Columbus High campus.
7News has learned that the school received a call around 10:30 a.m. that there was a person who had locked themselves inside a closet in one of the cafeterias because there was a person on the campus with a gun.
The school then called authorities.
No active shooter or threat was found, as the incident was determined to be unfounded after a comprehensive sweep of all campuses.
“Not only the Columbus high school, St. Brendan as well, ensuring that it is safe. There is no active shooter, there is no evidence of an active shooter, everything was secured,” said MDSO Assistant Sheriff Brian Rafky.
Photos shared with 7News from inside the campus shows lunches left behind on the outside patio as long-gun-holding deputies walked through the campus.
But it was still a scary moment for the hundreds of student who attend the schools.
“It was really scary,” said one student.
“It started off with the alarm, we were all scared,” said a second student.
“All schools are locked down right now. The freshmen are right now hiding in the cafeteria,” said a third student.
The Archdiocese of Miami confirmed St. Brendan’s church and schools were also placed on lockdown because of the situation at Columbus.
St. Brendan Elementary’s principal emailed families to say students and staff were OK, and a teacher inside the school told 7News that everyone was safe.
7SkyForce captured the tense moments as deputies searched the campuses.
First responders with Miami-Dade Fire Rescue could be seen being escorted by members of MDSO as they a entered the school with a stretcher to check on children affected by the stressful situation.
MDSO said two students suffered minor injuries while running during the response. Paramedics treated a third student for stress and possible dehydration.
Dozens of parents gathered outside of the campuses and nearby parks as they anxiously awaited any information on the situation.
MDSO took the time to brief those parents and let them know they’d given the all clear.
Following the briefing, one parent described to 7News what their child told them via text.
“They were secured by SWAT almost immediately,” she said.
Columbus sent out the following email to parents in regards to the situation.
Dear Columbus Families,
Earlier today, the school received a phone call that was deemed credible enough to notify law enforcement and initiate a lockdown out of an abundance of
caution.Police responded promptly, thoroughly investigated the situation, and have confirmed that there is no threat. The lockdown has been lifted, and campus operations have returned to normal.
We appreciate your patience and cooperation as we followed all safety protocols to ensure the well-being of our students and staff. Thank you for your continued trust and support.
Classes have since been dismissed for the day at Columbus High, and students were released just after noon.
Southwest 87th Avenue remains closed as of 1 p.m. but is expected to reopen soon.
MDSO tells 7News the initial call of the threat is being investigated and if that person is found, they could face criminal repercussions.
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