Sheriff’s office believe report ‘a hoax’ that man had gun at Kent elementary school
Published 4:25 pm Friday, September 30, 2011
King County Sheriff’s Office investigators believe the report of a man seen with a gun Friday on the grounds of Carriage Crest Elementary in Renton was a hoax.
“We did a full search and took it very seriously,” said Sgt. Jim Laing, sheriff’s office spokesman in a phone interview Friday. “But based on information I can’t talk about (specifically) because the investigation is ongoing, we believe it’s a hoax related to a student at the school.”
Kent School District officials locked down Carriage Crest Elementary, 18235 140th Ave. S.E., for about one hour after several students reported seeing a suspicious looking man on school property with a gun, according to an email issued to parents by principal Susanne Wick.
Carriage Crest Elementary is in the Kent School District but has a Renton address.
Sheriff’s office deputies and district safety officers did not find a suspicious man in the area after an extensive search.
Students were locked down starting at about 1 p.m.. The lockdown was lifted at approximately 1:50 p.m.
Students had indoor recess for the remainder of the day as a precaution.
“During the lockdown, our students are commended for doing an excellent job following the directions of the staff,” Wick said. “Our practice drills paid off today.”
