CALDWELL, Idaho — Operations are now back to normal at Caldwell High School after reports of a handgun on campus prompted a brief lockdown Thursday morning.
An email sent to Caldwell High School parents indicated that "a student was found in possession of a weapon" and that other students stepped forward to report the concern to the school administration.
"We take these matters very seriously, and the safety of students and staff is our top priority," the email stated.
Caldwell Police tell Idaho News 6 the handgun was not loaded.
Initial information released by the school district did not specify what weapon was involved. Later Thursday afternoon, the Caldwell Police clarified that the weapon in question was a handgun. The suspect in question remains in custody.
After the lockdown, students were placed on a "hall check" to remain in their classrooms, but operations are now back to normal.
The district's email to parents Thursday morning said, "The situation is under investigation and [they] will continue to cooperate fully with authorities."
This incident follows a threat of a mass shooting last month that prompted the postponement of the school's homecoming parade and dance. Those events have been rescheduled for October 18 and 19.
As we previously reported, 2,722 students in Caldwell stayed home from school Friday, September 27, after the homecoming threats. At Caldwell High School alone, records show nearly 75% of students stayed home.
Although law enforcement deemed the September threat not credible, the district acted "in an abundance of caution". The homecoming football game went on as scheduled.
The Caldwell School Board met the following week to discuss school safety and parents' concerns.
As we previously reported, the district no longer has school resource officers on school grounds due to budget cuts after a failed supplemental levy. The district now uses a private security firm.