LEXINGTON, S.C. — Lexington police say a call of a man with a possible gun at a private school was a hoax made on social media.
Officers gave an update Thursday night on the situation that took place at Northside Christian Academy, which is located on Sunset Boulevard in Lexington.
Officers say around 4:20 p.m. they responded to a school after their was a report online about a man with a gun on campus. Classrooms were placed on lockdown and officers said they searched the school room by room to ensure that there were no threats to students and staff.
All students, faculty, and staff were removed from the building.About 150 people---ranging in age from infants in daycare to high school students in after school programs--were at the school at the time of the incident.
Around 5:35 p.m., officers said they said the call was unfounded, meaning they found no evidence the man was there.
Officers say there was a post being shared on social media between some high school students both at the school and some who were elsewhere. Police said they tracked down the person they believe was responsible for the post and he admitted it was a joke.
Police say it's possible charges could be filed but they're not sure what they'll do yet. They say it may take days or weeks to make that determination.
"This is really a reminder to parents to have serious conversations with their children about social media and the responsibilities that come with it," said Corporal Cameron Mortenson with the Lexington Police Department.
