Last Updated on August 18, 2021 6:20 pm
UPDATE 6:19pm with statement from Boone Police
Boone, NC – On Wednesday, August 18, 2021, at approximately 3:20 PM, The Town of Boone E911 Communications center received a telephone call from a purported distraught child/adolescent who stated they were at the high school and going to harm others. Officers with the Boone Police Department, Watauga County Sheriff’s Office and the North Carolina State Highway Patrol immediately responded to the incident. The school was placed on lockdown and teams of officers searched the building and surrounding property. After the scene was secured and no threats or suspect(s) were located; the lockdown was lifted around 4 p.m. and the students were released.
Prior to today’s incident, information was received by the Boone Police Department and our law enforcement partners indicating there was the possibility of a hoax or “swatting” call happening in Boone. Included within this information was nearly identical language as was used during today’s call. “Law enforcement officers responded without delay to ensure there was not a threat to our school. I am very thankful for the outstanding job by not only the law enforcement officers but the students, faculty and staff of Watauga High School and the Watauga County School system”. – Shane Robbins, Major.
This incident is very similar to an incident that happened in Hawkins County Tennessee on August 10, 2021. Local investigators will be working with State and Federal partners to attempt to identify and prosecute the person responsible for this crime.
Update 4:02 pm – Boone Police are in contact with law enforcement in Tennesse as the call is believed to be a prank call. The lockdown is being released now, according to Garrett Price, Director of Communications with Watauga County Schools.
Watauga High is on lockdown this afternoon, according to a tweet from the schools system.
At approximately 3:20 p.m. Boone Police Department received an anonymous call that a student at Watauga High School had made threats of causing harm. WHS was placed on lockdown while police arrived and secured the scene. There is no indication that students are in danger.
