DECATUR, Ala. (WHNT) – Decatur City Schools provided an update after an 11th grader’s backpack set off a weapons detection system on Monday morning.
District officials said an inspection turned up a magazine (clip) inside the backpack, but no firearm or other weapon.
According to officials, the student then grabbed the backpack, knocked over part of the security checkpoint, and ran from the building.
At that point, Decatur High School was placed under a secure perimeter while administrators assessed the situation.
After the student’s identity was confirmed, it was determined there was no threat, and the school’s status was changed to a heightened alert as a search for the student began.
District officials figured out that the student had returned home, but the student has since been removed from school pending a due process hearing.
The item found in the backpack has not been found and the incident remains under investigation.
“Our OpenGate system functioned as designed. We appreciate the quick response of our facility and safety team, Decatur Police Department, and the patience of our parents as we navigated this situation. We intend to remain transparent and to share safety-related information as it becomes available,” Decatur City Schools said in a statement.
The post Decatur City Schools provide update after 11th grader’s backpack sets off weapons detection system appeared first on WHNT.




