(Updated at 11:55 p.m.) Wakefield High School was placed in lockdown Thursday afternoon after reports of a trespasser, possibly armed with a gun, and a threat against a student.
The cause for concern is related to a recent shooting in the Green Valley neighborhood, according to initial reports. So far, there are no reports of any acts of violence inside the school.
The initial dispatch went out around 12:30 p.m. A large police presence surrounded Wakefield and officers — some heavily armed — searched the building and classrooms, as well as nearby neighborhoods.
During the search, a student who was not considered a suspect was escorted out of the school by police, ARLnow hears.
The lockdown was lifted and student dismissal started shortly after 3 p.m. under the watchful eye of police.
“ACPD’s investigation determined the trespasser, possibly armed with a gun, is not currently on school property,” Arlington Public Schools said in a statement. “The investigation into the incident is ongoing, according to ACPD… All students and staff are safe.”
“After-school and evening activities are canceled,” the statement added. “The safety and security of your student is our top priority.”
During dismissal, a medic unit was dispatched to the school for what what described as a separate incident unrelated to the trespassing.
Groups of parents started gathering near the school after the lockdown started but were then directed to a reunification center at a nearby church, per scanner traffic. TV news crews also gathered outside of the school.
Wakefield students were dismissed early Tuesday after a student was hospitalized in critical condition after an apparent overdose in a bathroom. Friday classes were cancelled as of Thursday evening, according to APS.
Wakefield High School will be closed for instruction tomorrow, Fri, Feb. 3, 2023. We will keep the building open during normal hours to provide counseling services and mental health support for students and staff who may need help processing this week’s incidents.
— Arlington Public Schools (@APSVirginia) February 2, 2023
POLICE ACTIVITY: ACPD is investigating the report of a possible trespasser at Wakefield High School. The school has been placed on lockdown while police investigate. Expect continued police presence in the area. pic.twitter.com/SIvasFAyej
— ArlingtonCountyPD (@ArlingtonVaPD) February 2, 2023
A student at Wakefield HS gave us permission to show this video of police with long guns entering a classroom at Wakefield HS. A reunification area has been set up at a nearby church. @wusa9 pic.twitter.com/8HLNUEqTEC
— Matthew Torres (@News_MTorres) February 2, 2023
Please expect bus delays this afternoon due to police activity that occurred at Wakefield High School. Multiple bus routes are impacted. We appreciate your patience.
— Arlington Public Schools (@APSVirginia) February 2, 2023