JOHNSTON, Iowa — Johnston Middle School went into lockdown Thursday afternoon after a weapon was reported in an upstairs bathroom.
The lockdown began at 2:48 p.m., according to a note sent to parents, and students and staff remained in their locations until classes were dismissed and students released at 3:08 p.m.
School administrators and police are continuing to investigate the incident.
"We know that there's a bit of an epidemic right now across this nation, certainly [the] Des Moines area too," Chief Dennis McDaniel with the Johnston Police Department said. "For these gun threats, we as law enforcement will take every single one of them seriously."
Officials say a student is in police custody, but have not said if a weapon was recovered. All afternoon activities have been cancelled and buses were sent to pick students up.
"We are taking this situation very seriously and continue to work with the Johnston Police Department on this matter," the school said. "The safety of our students and staff is our top priority. We applaud our students and staff for continuing to speak up and share information."
Local 5 has reached out to the Johnston Police Department for more information