Report of possible shooting at Calvary Christian Academy unfounded, police say

Police say third party received report through app of possible shots fired

FORT LAUDERDALE, Fla. – Police responded Monday afternoon to Calvary Christian Academy, in Fort Lauderdale, due to a report of a possible shooting, but authorities say the school has been secured.

According to Fort Lauderdale Police Detective Tracy Figone, no shots were fired and no shooting occurred.

Figone said a third party received false information through an app that shots were possibly fired at the school. 

"We received an alert on our School Guard App and are taking every precaution necessary to ensure the safety of our students and faculty," a text message to parents said. 

Students told Local 10 News reporter Andrew Perez that they were scared not knowing whether an intruder was on campus.

"Our principal came in running like, 'There's an intruder, get down, lock your doors.' So we were just watching the live camera from the helicopters and everyone was freaking out," Lauren Williams said. 

Sky 10 was above the school, at 2401 W. Cypress Creek Road, shortly before 3:30 p.m. as several police vehicles were parked outside the school's entrance.

A group of parents could be seen holding hands in a circle and praying a short distance away. 

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One parent told Local 10 News that the school was on lockdown and officers wouldn't let her near the building to get her child.

"Complete shock and terror," Sabrina Williams said. "My daughter texted me at 2:30, just saying that there was an intruder on the property and the school was on lockdown." 

Students were released from the school just before 4 p.m. 


About the Authors:

Amanda Batchelor is the Digital Executive Producer for Local10.com.

Andrew Perez is a South Florida native who joined the Local 10 News team in May 2014.