An unloaded magazine from a handgun was discovered last Wednesday morning, February 15, prompting a temporary lockdown of both Livingston High School and Heritage Middle School.
The magazine was apparently kicked out of a car outside of Heritage and discovered by a custodian, prompting a lockdown while authorities searched the schools for a potential weapon. Ultimately, the search revealed no evidence of a weapon in the schools.
A full update to the community from Livingston Public Schools superintendent Matthew Block and Chief of Police Gary Marshuetz may be seen in its entirety below: “The safety and security of our schools are always our top priority, particularly in the face of everything that we see happening in the world. While we cannot share every detail of an ongoing police investigation, we wanted to share some additional information about this morning’s events.
“Based on our investigation today it appears that an item associated with a weapon was accidentally kicked out of a car this morning at Heritage Middle School. Acustodian discovered the item as he picked up trash outside. The item was turned in to the administration, who immediately called the Livingston Police Department (LPD), and initiated a lockdown in the school. The police arrived at HMS quickly and in large numbers to ensure the school was clear and safe. The initial investigation led police to lockdown LHS to ensure that all potential leads were exhausted.
“The lockdowns allowed for a thorough and complete sweep of our school buildings. The LPD, as well as our students, staff, and administrators, did everything they have been trained to do in an emergency and handled the situation in an exemplary manner per our protocols and processes.
“There was no evidence of intent to bring a weapon or weapon accessory into the school. The police are currently investigating why the item was in the car initially, and they are questioning those individuals who were driving in that particular car this morning. Despite what is being posted online, there was never a gun in the school, there was never a gun in a student’s backpack, and never any weapon or ammunition on school property. There was never an actual physical threat to our schools.”
