Ellsworth schools were placed on lockdown Friday morning following numerous 911 calls to the Pierce County Sheriff’s Office indicating a potential school shooter at Ellsworth Elementary School.
According to Superintendent Brian Nadeau, all buildings were placed on lockdown at 8:45 a.m. Jan. 30 as a precautionary safety measure.
“At this time, the situation has been resolved, and all students and staff are safe,” he said.
The lockdown was lifted at 9:15 a.m. once authorities confirmed the Ellsworth Community School District was not involved in the threat.
“We want to reassure you that our staff and students responded calmly and appropriately,” Nadeau said. “Out of an abundance of caution, we followed our standard safety protocols while law enforcement responded and assessed the situation. At no time were students or staff in immediate danger.
“We are grateful for the quick response of the Pierce County Sheriff's Department and the Village of Ellsworth Police Department.”
A new release from Ellsworth Police Chief Eric Ladwig, the Pierce County Dispatch Center received a transfer call from Goodhue County (Minn.) dispatch at 8:36 a.m. mentioning a school shooter at Ellsworth Elementary School and kids needing help.
“At the time of this event, police were also informed that Goodhue County Dispatch Center also received several additional 911 calls (12 in total), one stating a school bus was involved in an accident, one the caller mentioned being raped, and one a dog being struck by a school bus,” Ladwig said in the release. “During these 911 calls there was no callback number given, meaning it appeared to be a 911 only phone with no active cellular carrier.”
Police responded to Ellsworth Elementary School and conducted a walk-through of the building with school staff. The high school and middle school were also placed on a lockdown due to their proximity to EES.
“During this time, no threats were noted,” Ladwig said. “It should be noted that during this non-emergency lockdown and walk-through by law enforcement, the procedures in place with the school worked greatly as law enforcement were able to move efficiently throughout the buildings to clear each building efficiently and effectively, which caused minimal interruption to the school day.”
Goodhue County conducted similar checks in their county and found no threats.
If you have any questions or concerns, contact the district office at 715-273-3900.
