SAN DIEGO (KGTV) — San Marcos High School was placed on lockdown for about three hours because of a bomb threat made against the school Friday morning.
The San Diego County Sheriff's Department says the threat was made via a phone call at about 8:06 a.m. Any students who were being dropped off at the time were turned away from the school, while people already on campus followed lockdown protocols.
The lockdown was lifted a bit before 11 a.m. as deputies gave an all-clear.
The department told ABC 10News deputies swept through the building to make sure it was safe before lifting the lockdown. Cal State San Marcos' K-9 unit helped deputies during the sweep.
The San Marcos Unified School District says although the campus is safe, it has decided to cancel classes at the high school for the rest of the day because of the large number of students who couldn't get on campus during the lockdown.
"We take all threats seriously and are grateful for the quick response of our law enforcement partners who worked alongside us to keep our campus, students and staff safe," SMUSD says.
Parents started picking their kids up from the school when the lockdown was lifted.
"Deputies will be conducting extra patrols of the school throughout the day," the sheriff's department said on social media. "Thank you for your patience and cooperation during this incident."
SMHS administrators sent a text message to parents to alert them about Friday morning's lockdown.
The school is located at 1615 W San Marcos Blvd. in San Marcos.
Parents, Relatives and Guardians of students at San Marcos High School: You may now pick up your children at the campus. @SDSheriff and @SDSOSanMarcos Deputies will be conducting extra patrols of the school throughout the day. Thank you for your patience and cooperation during… pic.twitter.com/diyH4U5Osy
— San Diego Sheriff (@SDSheriff) October 6, 2023
