NEW HANOVER COUNTY — Not even a week after an active shooting hoax shut down New Hanover High School for almost two hours, Holly Shelter Middle School on Roger Haynes Drive in Castle Hayne was put on lock down for a similar call.
The New Hanover County Sheriff’s Office has confirmed a 911 call came around 4 p.m. indicating an active shooter was in the area.
READ MORE: 911: Shooting hoax caller claimed to be NHHS teacher, sheriff’s office turns over case to FBI
“We are currently clearing the school of any possible threat,” Lt. Jerry Brewer confirmed of the New Hanover County Sheriff’s Office, who added it was another swatting attempt.
The tactic is used to trigger law enforcement intervention in emergency situations.
He added police must respond the same way every time a threat is made.
“You never know if it’s fake or not,” he said. “We expect to get a couple [fake calls] after the first comes in, so it’s par for the course.”
School dismissal was on hold as of 4:15 p.m. which delayed bus transportation.
ALSO: NHCSO responds to shooter threat at NH High, Williston and Gregory also on lockdown
Around 5 p.m., law enforcement was able to complete a third search and found no evidence of a shooter, no weapons, nor injuries incurred.
Law enforcement lifted the lockdown by 5:30 p.m. and dismissal has resumed. There will be delays for buses 379, 453 and 350, according to the district. As well, the band and orchestra concert Tuesday night will be rescheduled.
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