WILMINGTON — Roughly a dozen or so law enforcement officers were called to New Hanover High School Thursday morning.
According to Lt. Jerry Brewer, of the New Hanover County Sheriff’s Office, a “big fight” broke out, but the campus was secured, “on lockdown.”
Police on the scene said there was concern the fight would grow in size and someone could pull a weapon. All units were called out of precaution to help secure the perimeter and answer parent questions as needed.
Port City Daily reached out to the schools district as well. Spokesperson Christina Beam said the campus’ exterior doors were locked immediately so visitors could not enter but classroom lessons did not halt.
The schools district considers this “secure status” not necessarily lockdown, she clarified.
“Lockdown is ‘lights out, out of sight,'” Beam said of the protocol the school uses.
While lockdown means occupants are kept inside individual rooms and are instructed to remain quiet and in place, secure is a way “to safeguard people within the building” as instruction continues.
In the secure phase, the district doesn’t send out messaging, Beam said, though the school may.
The status lifted by 10:30 a.m. and NHCSO expects charges will be brought against perpetrators in the fights, anticipated to be gang-related.
It was the second time this week law enforcement was called to an area high school. Laney High School was evacuated at 1:30 p.m. on Tuesday, due to a bomb threat. Officers swept the campus and by 2:30 p.m. cleared the scene so students could continue classes.
After press, PCD learned law enforcement were called back to Laney Thursday. According to a message that went out to parents, staff and students, the campus went on “hold status,” which means hallways are kept clear and students and faculty remain in classrooms. The hold transpired due to gunfire heard near the school vicinity.
“After a thorough investigation, law enforcement confirmed that the gunfire was located on private property, not adjacent to Laney High School,” the message indicated.
The hold lifted at 2:12 p.m.
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