A “secure the perimeter” ensuring the safety of school students and personnel was ordered Monday afternoon at Newcastle Elementary School and Newcastle Middle School.
School administration said they made the decision after being advised by Newcastle Police Department. They wanted to ensure a threat that was potentially in the area did not cause any danger. Police had received reports of a suspicious person.
A statement from NPD indicates that “on December 9, the NPD received a call from the Oklahoma City Police Department requesting a welfare check on an individual who had called a suicide hotline.
“As officers were at the address of the individual’s relative in Newcastle, they were told the individual was driving to the Newcastle Middle School. Newcastle Public Schools was notified and initiated their “secure the perimeter” lockdown as a precaution.”
Newcastle Police said the individual was later located at Riverwind Casino and officers were able to transport them to the VA medical center in Oklahoma City for assistance.
NPD said it would like to thank the McClain County Sheriff’s Office, Lighthorse Police, and Oklahoma City Police for their assistance.
The school system said as an additional precaution the Early Childhood Center and Newcastle High School were secured. They noted that busses would run once the threat was lifted. This resulted in some students arriving home later than normal.
NPS administration said, “As always, in any situation concerning student safety, we appreciate you reporting them to us, as well as to Newcastle Police. Please contact the site principal directly if you have any concerns.”
