TULSA, Okla. — Tulsa police said a 15-year-old boy, dressed in hunter's camouflage, jumped a fence at Nathan Hale High School with a loaded pistol before being chased down by officers on March 26.
TPS said the school went on lockdown after administrators received a report of a threat "outside the building."
2 News Oklahoma witnessed the teen get placed into a squad car at 3:17 pm on the west side of campus, next to Hale Middle School.
WATCH: Several TPS schools take precautions during dismissal over security concerns:
Tulsa Police Department could not give on-camera statements at the scene, but later told 2 News via email a 15-year-old is in custody at Tulsa County Family Center for Juvenile Justice.
TPS released this statement:
At approximately 1:35 this afternoon, school administration at Hale High School became aware of a potential security concern and the school was placed on a precautionary lockdown status. After careful assessment from our campus police team and administration, it was confirmed that there was no threat inside the building.
In working with external law enforcement, it was determined that there was possible suspicious activity in the neighborhood and the school was moved to a hold status at approximately 2:30. Out of an abundance of caution due to their proximity, Educare, MacArthur Elementary, and Hale Middle School will continue to take precautions during dismissal.
At this time, we can report that an individual was ultimately apprehended and arrested.
We are grateful for the swift response of campus police and Tulsa Police Department, who are working together to ensure continued safety for our staff and students. As always, the safety of our students and staff remains a top priority. To report any potential safety concerns, contact our 24-hour safety hotline at 918-480-SAFE.
Hale High School parent Jenny Nguyen said she waited nervously with other parents outside the school during the lockdown, unaware of the severity of the situation.
“Two parents were very hysterical," Nguyen said. "One lady said she was going to break the windows to go inside and get her kid, because her kid actually texted her and was all like, ‘Hey, Mom, if anything happens, I love you.’"
Nguyen said a text from her son initially alerted her. He sent it from inside a barricaded classroom. She is unhappy with the district's statements that didn't disclose a loaded firearm or threat specified on campus.
“As far as school officials...why would you do that? You know, why would you lie to us and, you know, tell us something else when it was really something else?” Nguyen said.
2 News Oklahoma is going to keep asking questions and update as we learn more.
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