Crime & Safety

Loud Bang in Main Hallway Prompted 25-Minute WHS Lockdown

Windham High Principal Tom Murphy said the response was quick and thorough.

UPDATE, 11:57 A.M.: A heightened police presence in the Windham School District today allowed a speedy and thorough response to a loud bang reported in a hallway at Windham High School.

According to Principal Tom Murphy, the bang was reported in what he calls the "crossroads" of the school, where several of the hallways intersect. Assistant Principal Bob Dawson called the noise in over the radio and the school went into a "shelter in place status."

Murphy said that under that status, students transition to their next class immediately and doors are locked. Teachers can continue to teach.

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With an officer already in the building, Murphy said that made the response easier. Police and fire officials opened the building back up in 25 minutes.

"They went through, swept the building and deemed it all clear," Murphy said.

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Both Murphy and Windham Police reported that it is still unknown what caused the bang. Murphy said that no smoke was visible in the area of the noise.

Murphy said that because of what happened Friday at Sandy Hook Elementary School in Newtown, CT, where 26 children and adults were murdered by a lone gunman, emotions were likely high.

Students at WHS took part in full lockdown procedures less than two weeks ago as part of a drill. Murphy said that with the school being newer, good technology is in place to lock the building down more efficiently.

UPDATE, 11:08 A.M.: The lockdown at Windham High has been lifted, The Eagle-Tribune's John Toole just tweeted.

He said police swept the school as a precaution after a loud bang was heard, but found nothing.

An earlier story follows:

Windham High School is reportedly in lockdown after a loud bang was heard in the school.

The initial call came in around 10:30 a.m. for a school incident at Windham High, located at 64 London Bridge Road. A loud bang was reportedly heard at the school, and the school was quickly placed on lockdown. Fire and police are staging outside the school.

Windham Patch will have more on this story as it develops.


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