Dismissal at The Dalles High School turned tense Friday afternoon when the campus went into lockdown after police received a report of shots fired, halting the usual end-of-day routine for students and families. With officers sweeping the building, school and police officials said they could not immediately confirm whether any shots had actually been fired. Staff kept students indoors while the investigation unfolded, and parents were warned to expect a visible police presence inside and outside the school during pickup. Despite the scare, the school ultimately released at its regular dismissal time.
According to KATU, The Dalles Police were investigating the report and said they were still assessing the threat. The outlet reported no injuries or arrests connected to the incident. KATU also published a photo, credited to the City of The Dalles Police Department, showing officers at the high school.
Where To Find Official Updates And What “Lockdown” Means
The Dalles High School listing on the North Wasco County School District site gives the campus address as 220 E. 10th St. The district’s emergency information page lays out how schools respond when there is a safety concern. It explains that “a lockdown takes place if a threat is identified inside the school building” and asks families not to rush to campus while emergency responders are still working.
Local Context
District leaders and law enforcement in the Gorge have been here before, dealing with false alarms and fast-moving social media chatter. A 2024 safety scare that led to a student walkout was later described as a non-credible threat, and officials cautioned the community about rumors spreading online. Columbia Gorge News covered that episode, noting the district’s practice of coordinating with police on threat assessments.
For Families
Parents and guardians are urged to track official messages on ParentSquare and the district website for any reunification plans or safety updates, rather than relying on social media or calling the front office. During active incidents, officials ask families not to phone the school so emergency responders can focus on their work. The district also reminds families to keep contact information up to date so staff can quickly reach guardians if reunification is needed.
