Hill Country College Preparatory High School in Bulverde went into lockdown Monday morning after reports of gunfire near the campus. School officials later said the building was secured and students were moved off campus for reunification with parents. One person was reported injured and taken to a hospital while law enforcement remained in the area working to secure the scene.
What happened
According to News 4 San Antonio, the Comal County Sheriff’s Office said deputies were dispatched to the Mustang Vista area near the school after reports of gunfire. The outlet reported that one person suffered a gunshot wound and was transported to a hospital, and that it was not immediately clear whether a suspect was in custody. Law enforcement sources told the station they were securing the area as investigators worked to determine what had taken place.
School update and reunification
In an alert posted on the campus website, Principal Julie Wiley said local law enforcement had secured the building and that students and staff were being taken by bus to Bulverde Middle School for reunification, per Hill Country College Prep. The alert instructed parents to bring photo identification and noted they must be listed in Skyward as eligible to pick up their child. The campus bulletin listed the update time as about 9:45 a.m.
Response on the ground
Officials also urged the public to stay away from the area unless picking up a student so emergency crews could work, according to News 4 San Antonio. Multiple agencies were reported on scene as deputies secured the Mustang Vista area and investigators canvassed for witnesses and evidence. At the time of the reports, authorities had not released additional details about the shooting or the victim's condition.
Local context
Lockdowns following nearby gunfire or threats have been a recurring concern for Comal ISD this year. The San Antonio Express-News reported a separate lockdown at Canyon Middle School on Jan. 30 after a threat that was later determined to be non-credible. Those incidents have left families on edge and prompted school officials to emphasize reunification protocols and quick multi-agency responses whenever campuses are threatened.
Authorities continue to investigate. We will update this story as Comal County officials or Comal ISD release additional information.
