Prank call sparks fear of possible shooting of 10 students at Heights High School, police say

HOUSTON – Local law enforcement officials responded to an unconfirmed shooting at a Houston Independent School District high school Tuesday, according to the Houston Police Department.

HISD officials said there a fight broke out between two students, and while in progress, they were notified by HPD that a call regarding an active shooter was reported at Heights High School and that 10 people were shot.

Multiple agencies, including Houston Police Department and HISD police, responded to the scene within minutes. The call was made at 1:03 p.m. and officers were at the school by 1:10 p.m.

HISD said in a released statement that a threat was made against Heights High School, which prompted the district to lock down the campus, along with Hogg and Hamilton Middle Schools until an all-clear was given.

At 1:24 p.m., officers made entry into the school and cleared the first and second floors.

PHOTOS, VIDEOS: Heights High School, areas nearby after reports of unconfirmed shooting

Authorities confirmed that no shots were fired and that there were no injuries reported during the investigation. HPD Chief Troy Finner said a police officer was treated for heat exhaustion.

Police said parents waiting to pick up their children should meet at 14th Street and buses to pick up the remaining students will be at 13th Street.

Chief Finner said authorities are still investigating the incident and tracking down the original caller.

HISD released the following statement:

The security of our students and staff is our top priority. Today, a threat was made against Heights High School. As a precautionary measure, Heights High School, Hogg and Hamilton Middle Schools immediately went into lockdown.

The Houston Police Department and HISD Police continue to investigate the threat, though no evidence was found to substantiate the threat.

Students at Heights High School will be dismissed early and school buses are en route to transport students who normally ride buses.

Houston Mayor Sylvester Turner released the following statement:

I want to thank Houston Police, Houston Fire, the Harris County Precinct One Constable’s Office, and Houston ISD for their prompt response at Heights High School. While the reports of an active shooter turned out to be false, we are reminded that student safety and school security are paramount on the minds of students, parents and employees of all school districts. Today’s response to the emergency calls reinforces how seriously our first responders take these incidents, and illustrates the constant training they undergo to take such quick and responsive action.