Sumter County sheriff: Lakewood High gun violence threat was rumor

Sumter County deputies say they determined a recent threat of gun violence at Lakewood High School to be a rumor.

According to Deputy Adrienne Sarvis, public information officer for the Sumter County Sheriff’s Office, the school resource officer and school administration were notified of a threat posted on social media and investigated. The student alleged to be involved has been interviewed and searched, along with his locker, and there was nothing dangerous found.

A Sumter School District spokeswoman said an airsoft gun was found in a different student’s vehicle.

 “A preliminary investigation revealed that this was started by rumors,” Sheriff Anthony Dennis said. “However, we take every threat of violence seriously and hold those involved accountable according to the law. Unfortunately, this is one of many threats of school violence that have been reported within the last few weeks, and they seem to be increasing. Incidents of this nature disrupt school operations and make the community feel uneasy, so we commend those who immediately alert school officials and law enforcement so that investigations can quickly begin."

Shelly Galloway, executive director of communication and community engagement for the school district, commended the students who came forward to report the allegation. She also asked parents and guardians to talk with their children often about what they are hearing and seeing at school or in their neighborhoods; discuss the seriousness of making a threat or spreading rumors of violence; encourage them to report suspicious activity; and report threats or problems instead of reporting it on social media.

Dennis urged parents to teach their children gun safety and encouraged students to speak to counselors if they think it is necessary.