LITTLE ROCK, Ark. — According to the Little Rock Police Department, there was a brief lockdown at Chicot Elementary that has since been lifted.
Officers were called to a report of a man who appeared to have a weapon outside of the Chicot Elementary campus.
Officers searched the school and surrounding area, but were unable to located anyone with a weapon.
While this was a false alarm, LRPD encourages anyone who notices suspicious behavior to notify police immediately.
A statement about the incident was released on behalf principal Gina Khoury:
This afternoon, Chicot was placed on lockdown following a report from students that they thought they saw an armed person near the school. LRPD and LRSD Safety and Security teams immediately responded, searched the area extensively, and reviewed surveillance video. While they did not find anyone, we know that in light of recent school-related tragedies, students, parents, staff, and the community have a heightened sense of concern when it comes to school safety. That is why we took appropriate security measures and enacted our protocols as a precaution.
Based on our communication with legal authorities, we have no reason to believe that any students or staff are in harm’s way. However, as a precaution, we are enhancing our security presence at Chicot and ask that our school community remain vigilant regarding our safety and security protocols on campus and at any school-related functions, which include graduation ceremonies. It bears repeating for any potential security concern, “if you see something, say something.”
We know that it takes all of us working together to ensure a safe, secure school environment that is conducive to learning. I want to assure you that our administrators, Safety and Security team, and School Resource Officers remain committed to that effort. I also want to thank you, as parents, for the support you provide to Chicot daily. If you have any questions, please feel free to contact my office.