UPDATE: ‘No credible threat’ after Canton schools placed on lockdown

CANTON (25 News Now) - All buildings in the Canton Union School district were placed on lockdown late Friday afternoon after police received a call claiming there was an active shooter at the high school.

“No credible threat’ was found after police with their K9 units conducted a “thorough sweep” of the buildings, the school district said in a news release.

Canton Police said the 911 call came in about 4 p.m. from a male saying he was going to shoot up the school. He then hung up.

The schools were immediately placed on lockdown as police went through every room more than once.

Police said they don’t know who the caller is at this time but are investigating what they described as a criminal offense.

Parents were called, and students were released. However, all Friday evening events and practices were cancelled, said Assistant Superintendent Jeff Utsinger.

Canton Police Chief Michael Eveland said his department trains for these situations often and they respond quickly by locking down schools and calling for additional help... including the Fulton County Sheriff’s Office, Farmington and Lewistown Police.

“We actually meet with the administrators all the time to talk about these kinds of things, and then we meet with the other departments and discuss tactics with each other, so everybody knows what to do.”

The assistant school superintendent thanked area police for their “quick actions to ensure the safety of the students and staff.”

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