Threat brings heavy police response at Dunnellon Middle School

DUNNELLON, Fla. – A large police presence responded to Dunnellon Middle School on Friday afternoon after a shooting threat, but no shooting occurred, according to the Marion County Sheriff’s Office.

Deputies told News 6 the response comes after a “call for service” at the school. The sheriff’s officer later added that it received a threat of a shooting at the school.

Deputies are on the campus to investigate but have not found any evidence of violence or any suspicious individuals.

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Kevin Christian with Marion County Public Schools confirmed that the middle school was placed on a code-red lockdown following the threat, but staff inside the school said nothing happened. There were 50-60 children on campus at the time for after-school activities. Christian added that neighboring schools were placed on a code-yellow alert as a precaution.

In the meantime, the sheriff’s office is asking the public to avoid the area until deputies can ensure there are no threats to the school.

Buildings at the schools are being cleared.

This is a developing story. Check back with News 6 for updates.

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