Hazelwood West High, Armstrong Elementary Put On Lockdown

Parents and students reached out to Hazelwood Patch to inform there was a security issue that put Hazelwood West High School and Armstrong Elementary School on lock-down Friday afternoon.

Since the situation has been diffused Hazelwood Chief of Police Gregg Hall sent out a statement on the incident.

"Hazelwood Police received a call from a Hazelwood West High School student’s mother stating that her juvenile son was being chased and threatened by a second juvenile student that had a handgun in his possession," the statement read. "The victim juvenile advised his mother that he was near school property and advised her that he was running towards the school, unsure if the second student was following."

Police also said they secured the student being chased at West, searched the building and cleared it as safe.

Police said they located the second teenager and on foot near the Hazelwood/
Florissant border and found no weapon.

"It could not be determined if a confrontation had actually occurred or if a gun had actually been displayed or possessed by the second student," the statement read. "No charges have been filed and the investigation will continue.

"The juveniles were both left in the custody of their respective parents."

Diana Gulotta, HSD's assistant superintendent for communications sent an email to parents about the situation.

"According to the police department, the student in question was located and searched twice. NO weapon was located. The police department recommended we resume normal activities. No one was harmed.The safety of our students and staff is a priority and we appreciate the cooperation of the Hazelwood Police Department in this situation."

What we initially learned about the situation was that both schools were locked down for more than one hour. We also learned the lock-down occurred after Hazelwood West High School released its students for the day but before Armstrong's dismissal time.

Students at West that stayed after school were held in the gymnasium until the threat was over. Armstrong students were held in the classrooms.

A phone call was sent to Armstrong parents informing them of the situation and that there would be a late dismissal.

The lockdown ended some time in the 4 p.m. hour.

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