UPDATE: An "all clear" of the Russell High School area was issued at 3:04 p.m. by the City of Russell. Normal traffic was allowed to resume.
RELATED: Hays High locked down after 'swatting incident'
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Russell Police Department
On 04/08/2022 around 2:13 PM Russell County Dispatch received a phone call from “Mike John” claiming that there was a “black backpack located in Room #50 in the high school”.
The caller further stated that “the backpack was covered in plastic and full of watches and wires.” Officers from the Russell Police Department and deputies from the Russell County Sheriff’s Office responded to Russell High School.
Building administration was advised of the alleged threat and immediately placed the school on lockdown.
Although Russell High School doesn’t have a Room #50, the school was thoroughly searched for the safety of staff and students.
Russell High School was given the all clear at 3:01 PM and students and staff were allowed to resume their school day as no credible threat was found.
This incident appears to be another “swatting” incident, which unfortunately, are becoming more prevalent throughout the area and across the United States.
The Russell Police Department will continue to investigate all.
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ORIGINAL STORY
Hays Post
RUSSELL—Just after 2:30 p.m. Friday, the City of Russell issued an alert to avoid the area surrounding Russell High School.
USD 407 Superintendent Shelly Swayne said the school had been put on lockdown after an anonymous threat was called in.
The 911 call indicated there was a suspicious black bag in room 50, Swayne said.
However, Russell High School does not have a room 50.
"We are going through our safety protocols to ensure the safety of our students and our community," Swayne said.
"All kids and staff are safe at this time," she said.