Prestonsburg High School Lockdown Ends With Student in Custody Over Threat Allegation
PRESTONSBURG, Ky. — A student was taken into custody Tuesday after Prestonsburg High School went into lockdown when officials were alerted to a possible firearm threat, according to the Prestonsburg Police Department (PPD).
How the Threat Emerged
Authorities said the PHS administration received word of a “potential threat” involving a firearm after two students reported that a third student might have a gun inside his backpack. Administrators immediately placed the school on lockdown as a precautionary measure, while law enforcement swept the building.
The Floyd County Sheriff’s Office and Prestonsburg Police responded to the scene, and both confirmed the lockdown was lifted once the threat was resolved.
Police Findings
In a statement, the Prestonsburg Police Department clarified that while probable cause existed to investigate, there was no evidence the threat was substantiated.
“An exhaustive search of the building yielded no weapons of any kind, and there was no evidence to indicate that an actual threat of harm existed at any time,” the PPD said.
During the building search, officers identified and detained a juvenile suspect. After the investigation, the student was arrested and taken to the Breathitt County Regional Juvenile Detention Center. Police said the student is facing a charge of terroristic threatening in the second degree.
Juvenile Suspect and Privacy
Officials stressed that because the suspect is a minor, no identifying information will be released to the public. The Floyd County school system confirmed this decision and added that protecting student privacy remains a priority, even during disciplinary or legal action.
Community Response
The Prestonsburg Police Department concluded with a statement emphasizing their commitment to school safety:
“The safety of our children is paramount and many of our first responders — who responded today — have children enrolled in this school and other local schools. There is nothing we take more seriously than school safety and the safety of our children, which is why we take every potential threat as an actual occurrence.”
They also extended gratitude to the faculty and staff at Prestonsburg High School, the Floyd County Board of Education, the Floyd County Sheriff’s Office, and the Kentucky State Police for their rapid partnership and response.
The incident highlighted the coordinated efforts of law enforcement and school administrators to ensure safety, even in the face of unconfirmed threats. For further updates on school safety and Kentucky community news, follow ChicagoMusicGuide.com.