ORLANDO, Fla. — A man's body was found Tuesday morning in a vehicle at Renaissance Charter School, the Orlando Police Department said.
The incident was reported shortly before 8 a.m. at the school near South Goldenrod Road and Market Place Drive, Orlando police Sgt. Wanda Miglio said.
Police said the man died overnight Monday.
[ Photos: Body found at Orlando charter school ]
Officers who responded to the scene found a man who appeared to have committed suicide, Miglio said.
Much of the investigation focused on a green Hyundai parked in a covered driveway.
Parents flocked to campus after they said administrators emailed them to say that the school was being evacuated.
“They didn't disclose any details to us or anything,” one parent said. “As a parent, I saw the email and I ran.”
Vehicles belonging to parents trying to pick up their children caused a backup on South Goldenrod Road.
“It's scary for my child to see all that,” a parent said. “It's a school, a place you for you to feel safe.”
[ Photos: Body found at Orlando charter school ]
At first, there was concern among parents about a possible suspicious device.
One parent said she believed that there had been written threats, prompting a sweep by the Orlando Fire Department’s Arson and Bomb Squad. But police said the unit was called out as a precaution.
"Well, out of precaution, you just, as a parent decide to come get him because you just don't know what's going to happen,” said parent Ivy Talavera.
Officials later said the sweep was done out of an abundance of caution.
"Units are taking extra precautions [and] are doing a sweep of the school and the surrounding areas," Miglio said. "Nothing has been found."
By the time investigators had left the scene, the crowd of parents had grown.
School officials released the following statement:
"Our hearts are broken for the events that occurred today at our school. This is not something that anyone should have to go through or experience. We are so proud of our entire school family and thankful for their tremendous efforts acting in the most appropriate way possible given the circumstances. We contacted police within two minutes of discovering a scene that none of us could have been prepared to address. We redirected students as quickly as we could with minimal exposure and contacted families as soon as we were able. Although students were never in any danger, police requested we evacuate the school in an abundance of caution and gave us clear direction throughout the process. We are grateful to the city of Orlando Police Department for their guidance throughout. We deeply appreciate everyone’s support as we do our very best to help our faculty, students and parents through this. School will be open tomorrow."