Police arrest 3 adults connected to lockdown at SC school

GREAT FALLS, S.C. — A fight led to false rumors about a shooting at a Chester County high school Wednesday afternoon, authorities said.

According to the Chester County Sheriff’s Office, deputies were first called to Great Falls High School around 12:30 p.m. because of a fight between two students. They said a student resource officer was able to quickly take control.

However, within minutes of the fight, the school was put on lockdown because an unauthorized person was reported to be on property.

Deputies said the SRO put that person, an adult, in handcuffs just seconds later. They’re being detained while the sheriff’s office continues their investigation.

Deputies arrested Joseph Caldwell, age 29, Montravious Easley, 23, and Jamal Jackson, 20.

They were each being charged with assault by mob, criminal conspiracy, and disturbing schools. Officials did not give any details about what they did.

One parent said they wanted to know how that person even got on campus in the first place.

“These kids, they’re supposed to be safe,” Gloria Walls said. “And how can you get inside of a schoolhouse that’s supposed to be locked down at all times? You guys have security.”

One of the students involved in the initial fight was detained afterward. Police officers and deputies later arrived and began clearing the building.

The sheriff’s office emphasized that there was no shooting and no weapon had been found on school property.

Because of the lockdown, students were in their classrooms, but some fled campus, deputies said. Deputies made arrangements for those students to return to the school bus loop at the Great Falls High School and be accounted for.

Chopper 9 Skyzoom flew over the school around 2:30 p.m. Dozens of cars had lined up as parents waited to get clarification on what was going on.

Students were scheduled for dismissal at 3:30 p.m., the usual time.

The investigation is ongoing.

(WATCH BELOW: Fight involving machete prompts school lockdowns in Statesville, police say)

Fight involving machete prompts school lockdowns in Statesville, police say

©2023 Cox Media Group