Rumor of gun sparked two-hour lockdown at high school in Cottage Grove

Rumor of a student possibly possessing a gun sent a Cottage Grove high school into lockdown for two hours Friday, authorities confirmed.

According to district officials, a Park High School student overheard someone on the bus talking about potentially having a gun in their backpack. The student called their parents, who called the school to report the situation.

"As soon as our school administration received the report, the entire school was placed on hold while we investigated the report," Park High School Principal Todd Herber said in an email to parents. "The hold was in place for an extended period of time to interview students and review bus videos."

According to Shawn Hogendorf, the district's director of communications and community relations, the school was placed in a two-hour lockdown beginning at 8:30 a.m.

Police and school officials interviewed the students on the bus and no weapons were found.

District officials say the investigation determined the rumor was false and that there was no danger to students, staff, or the school. According to Cottage Grove police, no charges will be filed.

"Please know that we take all potential threats seriously and follow our established protocols to ensure the safety of students and staff," Herber said. "We work with police and appreciate that the rumors were brought to our attention."

The unnerving incident comes two days after a Georgia school shooting killed two high school students and two teachers and left nine others injured.

The suspected assailant, 14, was arrested in connection with the shooting. His father is also in custody.

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