Paragould schools placed on lockdown after suspicious note; early release

PARAGOULD, Ark. – Two schools in the Paragould School District, the junior high and senior high, were under lockdown Monday after a suspicious note caused alarm.

Due to a suspicious note found on campus, PJHS and PHS are in lockdown. This is a note only, but it is being taken very seriously. Students will remain in their respective classes until the police and administration investigate and determine that it is safe. Please do not enter the campuses at this time. We will let you know updates as soon as possible. – Paragould School District

The statement was posted to the Paragould School District’s Facebook page.

UPDATE NOON: Police are on the scene sweeping the facilities and plan to begin releasing students to their parents as they’re able.

All parents/guardians are asked to stage in the Paragould Plaza parking lot behind Little Caesers Pizza. A marked unit will be there standing by. DO NOT attempt to go to the school. – PPD

The pick up line is at PostNet, NEA Report is told. The high school line is on outside and the junior high line is by the wall.

“You will need your ID to check your student out with the principal at the end of the very long line,” said Shawntae Thompson, guardian of a student at the location.

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6 PM Update From Paragould Police:

Paragould Police SWAT officers completed a very thorough search of both the Jr. High and Sr. High school at approximately 4:30 this afternoon. Contrary to multiple social media posts and comments, NO weapons were found during the searches. The Paragould Police Department’s Criminal Division immediately launched an investigation into this matter, and at this time, the investigation continues.

The safety and security of the students and faculty are paramount to both our department and the Paragould School District. In addition to the current SRO’s assigned to the Paragould School District, our department will be providing additional officers to the district for the coming days to help ease any fears or concerns of the students and their parents/guardians.

As this is an active, ongoing investigation no other information will be released at this time.