WATERTOWN — Watertown High School was placed on lockdown Thursday after a specific threat of an armed individual was reported to police by the school’s resource officer at approximately 1:45 p.m.
The Watertown Police Department responded swiftly, securing the school’s perimeter while officers were dispatched inside the building.
In close coordination with school officials, the students remained secured on lockdown with the School Resource Officer (SRO) overseeing the situation.
A thorough sweep of the property, building, and parking lot concluded with no immediate dangers found.
Following the security checks, the lockdown was lifted, and students were dismissed at the regular time, albeit with an increased police presence on campus as a precaution.
The threat that prompted the lockdown was specific and shared similarities with other threats made across the state on the same day.
Authorities are investigating the possibility that the incidents are part of a swatting trend, a malicious tactic where false alarms are reported to provoke a heavy police response.
Investigators in Watertown are actively pursuing leads and working with other jurisdictions to uncover the source of the threats.
Officials have stated that more information will be released if necessary as the investigation progresses.
