Chapel Hill authorities say that there was “no threat to the community” after a local elementary and middle school were forced into a lockdown Tuesday morning.

Law enforcement officials were called to Phillips Middle and Estes Hills Elementary schools around 10 o’clock Tuesday morning responding to a report of a person with a firearm in the wooded area behind the schools.

Evidence from an investigation from Chapel Hill Police shows that officers believe the suspect may have been carrying a BB gun, which department spokesperson Ran Northam said may have been discharged.

“We’d like to remind our community that the Town of Chapel Hill has an ordinance prohibiting the discharge of any firearms within Town limits,” Chapel Hill Police chief Chris Blue said in a release.  “Sometimes, what seems like an innocent activity can have profound impacts on your neighbors, as was the case today.  Community safety is everyone’s responsibility.”

Northam added that officers remained on the scene after the lockdown was lifted around 11 o’clock Tuesday morning.

Related Stories
‹
Estes Drive Community, CHCCS Push for Improved Pedestrian Safety After Collision
Emails sent to the Chapel Hill Town Council in the last week detail several stories from residents along North Estes Drive about long-standing concerns around pedestrian safety on the road. The news of two teenage girls being struck while using a crosswalk on New Year’s Eve led to all those stories being shared — as […]
Lockdown Lifted at CHCCS Elementary School
Officials said in an update at 11:50 a.m. Friday that the all clear had been given by Chapel Hill Police and the lockdown has been lifted. “No confirmation the reported sounds were actually gunshots, however we are keeping the students inside this afternoon & continuing with the regular school day.”**** ______________________________________________________________________________________________________________ A Chapel Hill […]
CHCCS Board Narrows School Replacement, Renovation Preferences for Bond Funding
The CHCCS Board of Education shared early preferences for potential facility plans if the district receives funding from a bond referendum.
Threat Made Toward Staff Member at McDougle Middle School
A student made a threat toward a staff member at McDougle Middle School in Chapel Hill on Monday, according to an alert sent to families on Tuesday evening. The Chapel Hill-Carrboro City Schools confirmed the incident to Chapelboro, and Carrboro Police said a juvenile petition was issued for threats of mass violence on an educational […]
Orange County Approves More Than $500,000 for Community Climate Action Grant Program
Earlier in December, the Orange County Board of Commissioners approved more than $500,000 in various grants through the county’s Community Climate Action Program. Eight programs around the county will receive funding. Three different organizations will use the money to install rooftop solar panels: Binkley Baptist Church in Chapel Hill, the Hillsborough United Church of Christ […]
INDY Week Publishes Endorsements in Chapel Hill and Carrboro Municipal Races
The local magazine INDY Week has published its endorsements in this year's Chapel Hill and Carrboro municipal elections.
Chapel Hill Resident Taylor Tally Running for CHCCS Board of Education
Chapel Hill resident and Air Force veteran Taylor Tally is joining the crowded race for the Chapel Hill-Carrboro City Schools Board of Education. Tally recently graduated with a master’s degree from UNC and lives in Carrboro. “I’ve always had an affinity for public service,” Tally told Chapelboro. “I think this is a great opportunity to […]
Educator Allison Willis Enters CHCCS Board of Education Race
Educator and Chapel Hill resident Allison Willis is entering the race for the Chapel Hill-Carrboro City Schools Board of Education. Willis is a former public school teacher and principal and current administrator whose children attend CHCCS. “I care deeply about our public schools,” Willis told Chapelboro. “And I understand the role they play in fostering […]
CHCCS Principals of the Year Share Thoughts on the 2022-23 School Year
Chapel Hill-Carrboro City Schools Principal of the Year Minnie Goins of Seawell Elementary School and Assistant Principal of the Year Jaimi West of McDougal Middle School stopped by 97.9 The Hill’s studios to chat with Andrew Stuckey on Monday. Goins, West and Stuckey discussed the highlights and challenges that defined this past school year in […]
Northside Community to Celebrate 101st Birthday of Longtime Educator with Parade
Chapel Hill’s Northside Community is preparing a vehicle parade to celebrate the 101st birthday of one of its cornerstone members on Friday. Euzelle Smith — a longtime educator, activist and the namesake of Chapel Hill’s Smith Middle School — will be the benefactor of a drive-by birthday celebration planned by community members looking to celebrate […]
›