Apparent senior prank near high school ends with call to 911
By Chloe Godding
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LAWRENCE, Kansas (KMBC) — The Lawrence, Kansas, Police Department is advising students to be careful with pranks.
Police were called to Free State High School after a concerned driver saw what they thought was a gun. The person carrying it was reportedly wearing camouflage and walking toward the school.
It turns out, it was a water gun, which was obvious up close, but from far away? Maybe not.
“There are much more creative ways to enjoy the last days of your Senior year than causing fear and a school lockout,” police said on social media.
Police said the call led to an “immediate” response from LKPD. Officers told KMBC 9 from what they understood, it was part of a senior prank in some way.
“Not funny,” police said.
Free State High School sent a letter to families explaining the situation. School officials said the school went under a brief lockout around 12:25 p.m. due to a report that someone had a gun near the school. A lockout means teachers continue their lessons with the doors locked.
The threat, as police indicated, was false, and involved a water gun.
School resumed its normal operations by 12:40 p.m.
“We appreciate the quick actions of the Lawrence Police Department and our Free State staff to keep everyone safe,” the school said. “If your child was concerned about the incident today, they are welcome to seek out a member of our counseling team for support.”
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