Hoax Forces School into Lockdown

By Debbie Williams Reporter

It's been a tense week at two high schools in Pensacola and now more drama that forces the campus into lockdown. Hoax Forces School into Lockdown

Published: Fri, February 29, 2008 - 5:17 pm

Debbie Williams

Pine Forest High School was locked down after a student reported seeing three students with guns on campus and it was all, a lie.
Parents crowded the fence surrounding Pine Forest High School almost unable to believe what they were seeing. "It should not be like this. It should not be like this at al.l We shouldn't have to go through this. I'm worried about all the kids," says Sherrelle Lakes pacing back and forth looking for any sign of her child.
The fence was as close as they could get after the school went into lock-down. Investigators say a "credible" student reported seeing three students with guns in their waist bands. After three hours of intense searching, nothing was found on any students or on campus.
"I know you're frustrated. know you want this thing over. If I could wave a magic wand I would just assume this not be true and it turned out to be a hoax but we can't take those chances."
Twenty-five sheriff's deputies swarmed the campus. A sheriff's helicopter flew overhead and the only communication from within, text messages. It's how David Whitworth stayed in touch with his girlfriend inside the school. "I was freaking out it's been all week them having threats and stuff with them she started going back Wednesday she thought everything was fine cause it had died down and everything."
Almost three hours after it started the all clear was given and parents and students were reunited. Ninth grader Precious Lloyd says it was scary inside. "Everybody was freaking out at first we were getting in the corners and stuff under the tables and stuff it was weird."
But sheriff's investigators say it was all a lie and now the student responsible could face criminal charges and disciplinary action from the school district.