‘Unsubstantiated threat’ prompts lockdown during sports events at DeLand High School

DELAND, Fla. — DeLand High School was placed on lockdown Wednesday evening while law enforcement officials investigated a possible threat.

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According to the Volusia County Sheriff’s Office, a person called and claimed there were bombs set at the football field and that they were armed with a rifle.

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The school, which was being used for sports activities Wednesday night, was placed on a Code Red lockdown while the DeLand Police Department and Volusia Sheriff’s Office investigated the threat.

A “lockdown” is called anytime there’s an immediate threat to campus requiring additional security precautions. However, police say no actual threat has been found at the school.

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According to the school’s athletics department, the Junior Varsity football and volleyball teams were scheduled to host competitions Wednesday night.

Witnesses say the attendees for each of the events were locked down in the school’s gym for the investigation.

DeLand police and Volusia County deputies along with their Bomb K9 responded and secured the campus before deeming the threat unfounded.

DeLand detectives are investigating the incident.

This story is developing. Please stay with WFTV as more information comes into our newsroom.

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