SEVIERVILLE, Tenn. — Sevierville Primary, Intermediate, and Middle schools, as well as Sevier County High School, lifted lockdowns after safety checks did not turn up any evidence of weapons or threats after a driver found a bullet on a school bus Wednesday morning.
Even though there was no direct threat or any suggestion that a weapon was present, the schools conducted safety checks at the advice of local law enforcement agencies, according to Sevier County Assistant Superintendent of Student Services Tony Ogle said.
Ogle said the safety checks were clear and there was no evidence that a weapon had been present. The bus where the bullet was found serves all of the schools that were put on lockdown, according to Ogle.
"We are grateful for the swift cooperation of the Sevierville Police Department and Sevier County Sheriff’s Office, and we are thankful for the patience and understanding of our parents and community members. The safety of our students and staff members will continue to remain a top priority for our system," he said.
At the advice of police officials and out of an abundance of caution, students that rode the bus were interviewed to ensure no weapons were brought to school, Ogle said. The parents of the students being interviewed were contacted by school personnel.
