Marshall secured after suspected weapon sighting

One student thought she saw a weapon in another student’s backpack and that’s what caused Marshall Middle School to go into “secure and teach” mode Thursday, according to Clovis police.

Clovis police lieutenant Trevor Thron said during a change in classes Thursday morning one student thought she saw a firearm in another student’s backpack.

According to a news release from Clovis Municipal Schools at about 11:15 a.m. Thursday school officials declared a “secure and teach” situation.

The campus was secured immediately, and police came to the school to conduct an investigation.

School officials reminded parents of some rules that go into effect when such incidents happen: During “secure and teach,” all exterior doors are locked, students remain in the classroom and instruction is continued as usual.

Release of students is not permitted during “secure and teach.” Families who need to pick up students are asked to wait in their vehicles until such time as the “secure and teach” has been lifted. Entry into the building by parents, guardians or members of the public is not permitted.

School officials said the report was determined to be unsubstantiated and the campus was cleared to resume regular instruction at 12:30 p.m.

Meal service and additional activities continued as scheduled.

Thron said after speaking with the student and following up with students whom she had passed in the hallway, Clovis police found no evidence to support the student’s claim.

Friday another social media threat resulted in a “Secure and Move” mode being instituted at Yucca, Marshall and Gattis Middle Schools.

A police investigation revealed that threat to also be unsubstantiated.