Rolesville High students dismissed. Police say threat that caused lockdown not credible

A threat that prompted Rolesville High School to be locked down Wednesday was determined to be not credible, according to the school’s principal.

The lockdown began around 10:30 a.m., reported ABC11, The News & Observer’s newsgathering partner. Additional law enforcement and security went to the campus to assist with the staggered dismissal of students Wednesday afternoon, according to an email sent from principal Dhedra Lassiter.

“After a thorough investigation, the Rolesville Police Department has determined that there was no credible threat to our campus,” Lassiter said in the Wednesday afternoon update. “Thank you to our students, staff, WCPSS security team and law enforcement officials for maintaining safety and order during this time.”

Shortly after 2 p.m., students were sent home in a “controlled dismissal” with the help of law enforcement, said Lisa Luten, a spokesperson for the Wake County Public School System.

Parents complain about lack of info

In multiple emails sent during the day Lassiter told parents that students and staff were safe. But some parents complained that they weren’t getting enough updates. The Rolesville Police Department had asked people not to come to the campus before dismissal.

“I would like to take this opportunity to help you understand that we always want to be transparent with our families when an incident such as this arises,” Lassiter wrote. “Unfortunately, releasing pertinent information often has the potential to harm an investigation while it is being conducted.

“Safety of our students and staff is always the highest priority. Our goal is to provide you with all the information we can while keeping safety in mind.

Threat leads to code red lockdown

Earlier Wednesday, Lassiter emailed families that the school received the communication of a potential threat to the school. She said the threat led to the school going to a code red lockdown while law enforcement and security officials investigated the source of the threat.

Under a code red lockdown, the entire building is locked and no one is able to enter or exit.

Last month, a social media threat at East Wake High School in Wendell led to a lockdown and heightened security measures at the school, The N&O reported.

That threat was not credible, officials said at the time.

Copycat hoax threats caused additional lockdowns in Wake and Johnston counties later that week. School leaders have warned that students who make threats will face disciplinary action and potentially criminal prosecution.

Avi Bajpai contributed to this story.

This story was originally published October 13, 2021 at 11:38 AM.