UPDATE: Missoula Police provide update on Hellgate High School lockdown

UPDATE: 12:34 p.m. - September 3, 2024

The Missoula Police Department is providing additional information about what prompted Hellgate High School to go into lockdown on Monday morning.

The incident was sparked shortly before 9 a.m. when students told a School Resource Officer (SRO) about what appeared to be a gun in the waistband of another student.

According to a news release, officers quickly responded to the school and detained a 17-year-old male student suspected of possessing the gun.

Missoula Police Department spokeswoman Whitney Bennett says a brief lockdown was put in place as a "precautionary measure."

Officers found a replica firearm in the student's backpack and then seized the firearm after obtaining "lawful consent," the release states.

The Missoula Police Department further stated:

"We take incidents like these very seriously and we are currently in contact with the student's parents as part of our ongoing investigation. Investigators will be consulting with the County Attorney’s [Office] regarding potential charges.

The Missoula Police Department wants to commend the students who reported the suspicious activity, highlighting their role in maintaining a safe school environment. The prompt actions of these students and the coordinated response by our officers ensured a quick and safe resolution to this incident.

The Missoula Police Department would like to remind the community of the importance of reporting any suspicious activity or potential threats to school administration, SROs, or law enforcement. If you see something, say something. Your vigilance contributes directly to the safety and security of everyone in our community."

(second report: 9:36 a.m. - September 3, 2024)

Missoula County Public Schools spokeswoman Tyler Christensen tells MTN News the Tuesday morning lockdown at Hellgate High School has been lifted.

(first report: 9:23 a.m. - September 3, 2024)

Hellgate High School in Missoula has gone into lockdown.

An email sent to families and students states, "Out of an abundance of caution, Hellgate High School is in lockdown. There is no active threat to students and staff at this time."

Missoula County Public Schools spokeswoman Tyler Christensen issued the following statement to MTN:

“Hellgate is in lockdown out of abundance of caution while a potential threat involving the school is investigated. There is no active threat to students or staff.”

We will have additional information as it becomes available.

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