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No gun found at International Prep

WBFO News photo by Eileen Buckley

A Buffalo Public School was placed in lockdown Tuesday morning as City police searched for a report of a gun. WBFO's senior reporter Eileen Buckley says a lockdown occurred around 11:30 a.m. International Preparatory School at Grover on the city's west side. 

Credit WBFO News photo by Eileen Buckley
Buffalo Police vehicles lined up outside I-Prep during lock down & search.

No weapon was found inside International Prep after Buffalo Police conducted a search of the building.  The city school District issued a statement saying leadership at the school “alerted police to a rumor” of a gun in the building.   

“Today, at approximately 11:30 a.m., leadership at International Preparatory School alerted police to a rumored weapon in the building.  Police arrived, and lockdown procedures were followed while the building was thoroughly searched.  Police completed the search at approximately 1:05 and declared IPrep to be safe, with no weapon being found.  Police will continue to investigate,” the district stated.

Buffalo Police spokesman Mike DeGeorge tells WBFO News no gun was found.  He said apparently two students got into some type of an altercation, with one of those students threatening the other, and indicating there was a gun. DeGeorge said the students were questioned, but at this point he is not sure if charges will be filed.  

Credit WBFO News photo by Eileen Buckley
Buffalo Police vehicles lined up outside I-Prep during lock down & search.

The District said everyone remained safe during the lockdown.

“Students and staff remained safe at all times, and they are to be commended for their adherence to protocol during this procedure.  Staff was aware and vigilant, and students adhered to proper behavior,” the districted reported.

Credit WBFO News photo by Eileen Buckley
Outside I-Prep during lockdown.

Outside the school building on 14th Street, several police vehicles were parked as the search was underway. Around 1 p.m. police began to exit the building one by one.

During the lockdown no one was allowed to leave or enter the building.  But just as the lockdown ended after 1’o’clock someone arrived with a pizza delivery and was allowed to enter.