False rumors of shooter at Pittsboro high school cause parents to panic

Around 7:45 a.m., police responded to the school located at 310 Northwood High School Road. Officials said a teacher heard a single gunshot which appeared to come from a wooded area near the school, prompting the 911 call.

Deputies performed a search of the school and campus and found no weapons or injuries.

Officials with the Chatham County Sheriff's Office said hunting season started over the weekend, and the wooded area where the shot was reported is known to draw local hunters.

False rumors that there was an active shooter in the school spread quickly on Twitter and other social platforms, causing alarm to parents and the neighboring community. Many families rushed over to the school to check on their students.

"We just drove here as quickly as we could," said Richard Almyda, an uncle to a student at the school. "We couldn't get in touch with anyone, so we just wanted to get out here to make sure everything was okay."

"We are relieved to report that any rumor of an active shooter situation on campus is false," said Public Information Officer Sarah Pack. "All students, faculty, and staff are safe at this time."