East Ridge High School in Lake County found itself under an enforced lockdown early this morning when a gun was discovered on its premises. According to details shared by the school district and reported by ClickOrlando, the firearm was contained in a metal lockbox, the circumstances of which immediately drew the concern of school authorities and law enforcement. The resulting lockdown, they said, was implemented "out of an abundance of caution."
As the central body of the school’s response, the decision to halt school operations was conveyed to parents via a phone call. "Please remember that in lockdown situations, students remain in place and no one aside from law enforcement is allowed to come on campus. This is for the safety and protection of everyone involved," the school administration stressed, according to a statement obtained by ClickOrlando.
Local news outlet WFTV further revealed that school officials had promptly involved the authorities upon discovery of the gun. They, along with law enforcement, are now delving into the circumstances of how the gun ended up on campus. No further details have been released regarding whether the locker was placed intentionally or if it was an act of negligence.
