Durham Public Schools: JROTC drills prompted call about weapon, lockdown at Northern High School

WRAL News' Aaron Thomas reported officials with the school said JROTC drills were happening Tuesday. A student was wearing black clothes and practice drills were taking place. The student had a “wood block” that looks like a gun, which was the reason for the scare.

Chip Sudderth, Chief Communications Officer with Durham Public Schools, released the following statement Tuesday:

“A review of security camera footage at the school revealed that one of our JROTC students who was wearing black and carrying a practice 'wood block,' which is vaguely rifle-shaped but is not in fact a firearm, was coming on campus at the same time that the call to 911 was made. There was JROTC practice today and that student was apparently mistaken.

"Students, staff, and visitors to Northern High School sheltered in place after a 911 call was made warning of a person coming onto the campus with a weapon. Security cameras were able to determine that it was an NHS JROTC student carrying a plastic drill replica.

"Until that determination was made, NHS went into lockdown and the Durham Police Department and Office of the Durham County Sheriff carefully evacuated and searched the building. Students and families are being reunited at the North Carolina Korean Church across the street.

"Durham Public Schools and Northern High School are enormously grateful for the professionalism of our law enforcement partners and the calm confidence of our teachers and staff."

Durham police said Northern High School was placed under lockdown as they searched to see if there was a person on the campus with a gun. Officials said they got a call shortly before 5 p.m. Tuesday about a person seen entering the school with a gun. Law enforcement searched the school and were gradually clearing the building.

Durham Public Schools released a statement earlier Tuesday saying: "Law enforcement is investigating an unconfirmed report of a person with a weapon on the NHS campus. Students and staff are sheltering in place as a precaution."

Students and adults could be seen exiting the school as law enforcement searched the area. There was a school volleyball game on the campus along with other activities that were taking place.

Students were soon seen leaving with their parents or guardians as law enforcement remained on the scene investigating.