Police Call School Lockdowns A Sign of The Times
By: Shalah Sasse
Updated: February 27, 2013
Wednesday morning, two Henderson County schools were put on "modified lockdown" because of a domestic disturbance. Henderson Police say the Thelma B. Johnson Early Learning Center and East Heights Elementary were both placed on lockdown. They say the family involved with the domestic disturbance has children who attend both schools.
Monday morning, Evansville Day School was put on lockdown, when an anonymous call claimed someone inside had a gun. Parents rushed to the school.
"I had a panic attack. Couldn't drive, couldn't breathe, it's the worst feeling you can ever have," Lori Shockley said.
Police say there was never a weapon in the school. Three EVSC buildings were on "secure mode" as a precaution during this incident and a bank robbery, a short time later.
Earlier this month, three Warrick County schools were put on lockdown, when deputies say a Lynnville woman reported an attempted robbery, but ended up making the whole story up.
In January, Castle High School went on lockdown because of a social media threat. School officials say the shooting at Sandy Hook in Connecticut really scared everyone. They say they have an emergency plan, and train regularly.
"There's just been too many. And this last one with Sandy Hook, he came in with force. So I don't think that were taking them too seriously. No, I'm glad they do," Ashley Roberts said.
"It's scary. With Sandy Hook just recently happened it's, every day that he goes to school, you just almost have to hold your breath, worried," Eric Frazier said.
School officials say EVSC has had several "secure mode" situations this school year, but none have been an active threat.
"I think what's changed is every little lockdown gets coverage when maybe before Sandy Hook, the coverage was not as much, but now, anything that comes out that is associated with a potential incident in a school is getting covered," Sgt. Jason Cullum said.
Evansville Police say they have prepared for situations like the tragedy at Sandy Hook, calling these lockdowns a sign of the times.
The incident at Evansville Day School remains under investigation. Evansville Police say they're still trying to figure out who made the anonymous call on Monday and where it originated from.


