EAST MOLINE, Illinois — United Township High School went into a soft lockdown Friday morning, August 17, 2018 after a threatening phone call was made.
Police did not specifically say what the threat was, but multiple departments responded to the school. The on-site resource officer investigated and did not see suspicious activity. No weapon was ever discovered on school grounds. Police said at no time were students in danger.
Parents arrived to the area to get their students. According to the school superintendent, Dr. Jay Morrow, police on scene were telling parents to gather to the Rock Island County Fairgrounds across the street to wait for information.
Jennifer Webster, dean of students for UTHS, announced to the students’ parents gathered there that they could pick up their students if they want. No penalty would be given for those who chose to leave. However, doors will remain locked, so no one can enter. The school would not be evacuated or closed for the day.
A spokesperson for the UTHS superintendent said the school received an “external threat” and they put the school on a soft lock down.
“They’re on lock down in the locker room and the lights are off and they can’t use internet,” one parent said. “They were going to class and they told them to get in a classroom.”
In an email sent to parents on Friday August 17, 2018 Superintendent Jay Morrow told parents there will be more security at UTHS all of this week.
Moline High School was also on lock down as a precaution.
