CARTERVILLE – Carterville Police say a soft lockdown was put in place Wednesday at Carterville Junior High School following a report of a firearm on campus. In response, school officials swiftly enacted safety protocols and contacted local law enforcement.

A K9 unit was brought in to search the school and found no weapons verifying that the initial report was false. As a result, the school was taken off lockdown and resumed its normal activities.

Police say student and staff safety remains one of their top priorities and appreciates the cooperation of our school community during this incident.