'All-clear' given to HISD's Lamar High School after reported bomb threat prompts lockdown
HISD's police chief said this was the second bomb threat the district has received in a matter of days.
HOUSTON, Texas (KTRK) -- Houston ISD's Lamar High School is no longer in lockdown mode after a bomb threat was reported Thursday morning.
District officials said no threat was found after conducting two sweeps of the campus at 3325 Westheimer Rd.
The threat prompted the campus to go into lockdown for two hours, the district's police chief, Shamara Garner, said.
HISD issued an initial statement announcing the lockdown:
"Lamar High School is currently in Lockdown Mode. Police are on the scene investigating a reported incident. HISD has notified families. The safety of our students and staff is our top priority. We will have another update as soon as possible."
According to police, at about 8:22 a.m., someone called in a threat at the start of the school day demanding ransom money. No details were given on how much the person was asking for.
The building went into lockdown immediately as HISD notified families, Garner said in an updated statement.
Authorities said it all happened as students were being dropped off at school. Students who were arriving for class at the time had to wait outside since no one was allowed in or out while police searched the campus. They were pushed to the perimeter of the campus to keep a safe distance, police said.
The students inside the building were left inside.
HISD police conducted a visual search and sweep of the building using their K-9 unit.
They didn't find anything suspicious, Garner said, adding that this is the second bomb threat the district has received in as many days.
"Campuses should be a safe haven for students and staff. Everyone needs to know that we don't consider threats jokes," said Chief Garner. "Any time fear is invoked, it's a serious offense. We will always investigate and present those cases to the district attorney's office."
SkyEye video from above the scene showed several police cars parked at the school and a police helicopter circling above. Canine dogs were reportedly used inside of the building.
Students were seen being evacuated from the school, and groups of students gathered outside on the track and football field. They have all been let back inside the campus, and school has resumed as normal.
"I want to reiterate to anybody that thinks that this is a joke or prank, we will prosecute to the fullest extent of the law, and we will investigate and hold these people accountable, and we do take all these threats seriously," patrol commander with HISD, Tridung Tran, said.
HPD and METRO officers assisted HISD police in the operation, officials said.
Officials said extra officers would be at the campus on Thursday as the investigation into the origin of the threat continues.
