PONCHATOULA, La. — Ponchatoula High School and Martha Vinyard Elementary are currently on lockdown while authorities from the Tangipahoa Sheriff's Office and Ponchatoula Volunteer Fire Department investigate a gun threat on Tuesday.
According to the TPSO, deputies were alerted of the threat just before 11:30 a.m. after the school received an anonymous tip saying someone was en route to the school with a gun.
The school was immediately placed on lockdown, as was MVE across the street due to proximity, as deputies from across the parish descended on the Ponchatoula campus.
After an initial investigation, the TPSO said the threat was not credible and that the school was safe. However, the school will remain on lockdown until further notice and extra deputies will remain on campus for the remainder of the day.
Before the lockdown, the school spent the morning celebrating the Class of 2024 with a Senior Breakfast and parade to the football field for a farewell sendoff.
According to a school social media post on Facebook, all faculty, staff and students are safe at this time.
Just before 3 p.m., the Tangipahoa Parish School System collaborated reports from the high school and sheriff's office, and issued the following statement:
"The safety and security of our students and staff are our top priorities, and we will continue to work closely with local authorities to ensure a safe learning environment for all. We encourage anyone with information about this incident or any potential threats to report them immediately to the authorities.
Superintendent Melissa Stilley stated, “We will not tolerate violence on our campuses, and the safety of our students and employees is our highest priority.”
This is an ongoing story and will be updated once further information becomes available.
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