Reason behind lockdown at Italy schools deemed a hoax

The Italy Police Department was made aware of a possible threat today toward an individual who had a child in the elementary school. The threat was investigated and determined to be a hoax.

"In our best effort to protect the children and staff of the school district we locked the schools down and placed extra officers at all schools until it was determined that the threat was not viable," read a statement from the Italy P.D.

Ellis County Sheriff Brad Norman and his staff administered fast response to assist in the investigation, and to the Texas Department of Public Safety who rushed manpower to the schools in the district to make certain they were secure. All campuses were later reopened.

The police bulletin went on to say, "School's were locked down just as a precaution earlier today, as requested by Italy P.D. The schools went into lockdown mode, meaning we functioned as normal except students were not allowed to go outside. Instead, those classes reported to the cafeteria if needed until the lockdown was lifted."

The length of the lockdown did not last more than one class period.