(12/19/12) - Grand Blanc Police Chief Steve Solomon says it turned out to be a prank, but a text about shots fired at the high school certainly stirred a lot of fears.
It appears two students actually texted similar messages, but not to each other.
Solomon says at least one high school student texted a parent saying shots had been fired and kids were hiding. Someone called 911.
Police officers, and lots of them, responded immediately and almost immediately determined there was no threat.
"Multiple officers responded, went to the classroom where that student was located and pulled him out and talked to him and he said it was just a joke," Solomon says.
That was on the school's east campus around 11 a.m., Solomon says. Right around the same time, the same sort of scenario played out on the school's west campus. Police determined a second text was sent and also by a student.
The high school briefly went into "lock down" mode. Police determined there were no shots fired.
Police are investigating whether the students planned this together.
It came right in the middle of an already tense situation for the district.
Superintendent Dr. Norm Abdella says there is a rumor circulating among some Genesee County high schools, via social media, about a "student revolt" planned Friday.
There is talk, Abdella says, about students bringing weapons to some schools.
Friday is supposed to be the end of the Mayan long count calendar.
Abdella says there will be an increased police presence at Grand Blanc schools this week and the "secure-in-place" policy is in effect. Read the district's statement HERE.
School remains in session through Friday.
"Nerves are frayed. People are concerned and really the goal is just to get to Friday afternoon and get to winter vacation," Abdella says.
Police and schools officials are taking the prank very seriously. Abdella says students involved will be punished as the school system allows. Solomon says his department will consult with the Genesee County Prosecutor's Office to determine appropriate action on their end.
Prosecutor David Leyton also pointed out these kinds of pranks will not be tolerated. Leyton says his office will issue charges if it determines a crime was committed.
Thursday, May 23 2013 12:47 PM EDT2013-05-23 16:47:51 GMT
(05/22/13) - It's life in prison for three people convicted in the carjacking and murder of Leslie Mills, in Flint Township, in March of 2012. Leslie's husband, Kevin Mills, addressed each one of them
It's life in prison for three people convicted in the carjacking and murder of Leslie Mills, in Flint Township, in March of 2012.
Thursday, May 23 2013 1:33 PM EDT2013-05-23 17:33:22 GMT
(05/23/13) - The man who police believe killed his mother and sister was back in a Saginaw County courtroom Thursday morning. Stephon Roby has been in police custody since shortly after the bodies of
The man who police believe killed his mother and sister was back in a Saginaw County courtroom Thursday morning.
Thursday, May 23 2013 1:04 PM EDT2013-05-23 17:04:17 GMT
(05/23/13) - Thursday, Michigan senators honored our fallen military heroes. It was the 19th annual State Senate Memorial Service. Special guest Staff Sergeant Travis Mills of Vassar was the keynote
Thursday, Michigan senators honored our fallen military heroes.
Thursday, May 23 2013 1:00 PM EDT2013-05-23 17:00:53 GMT
(05/23/13) - The Back to the Bricks committee is adding another element to the huge event in Flint in mid-August. Artists will be encouraged to use car hoods to create pieces of art. The new event
The Back to the Bricks committee is adding another element to the huge event in Flint in mid-August.
Thursday, May 23 2013 1:00 PM EDT2013-05-23 17:00:15 GMT
(05/23/13) - A chili cook-off will be held this Saturday from 12-3 p.m. at the Flint Farmers' Market to raise money for an important cause. Several area chefs will be on hand to cook their favorite chili
A chili cook-off will be held this Saturday from 12-3 p.m. at the Flint Farmers' Market to raise money for an important cause.
Thursday, May 23 2013 12:58 PM EDT2013-05-23 16:58:42 GMT
(05/23/13) - The parents of a 1-year-old Flint boy left unattended in a bathtub were in court Thursday morning. Nineteen-year-old Callie Csercsa and 29-year-old Jeremy Wise were formally charged with
The parents of a 1-year-old Flint boy left unattended in a bathtub were in court Thursday morning.
Thursday, May 23 2013 11:53 AM EDT2013-05-23 15:53:09 GMT
(05/22/13) - A project to build a new mixed-use development in Fenton is moving forward. A state grant worth more than $800,000, just awarded, will be used to demolish a vacant building in the 100 block
A project to build a new mixed-use development in Fenton is moving forward.
