News Summary
A secure status was enacted at Greer Middle and High Schools after a report of a suspicious individual with a rifle near the campus.
Greer, South Carolina – A precautionary secure status was implemented at Greer Middle and High Schools on Friday afternoon due to a report of a suspicious individual spotted near the campus. The incident was reported around 2 p.m. near Gap Creek Road and Country Club Road, approximately half a mile from the schools.
The individual was reportedly seen carrying a rifle, prompting immediate action from law enforcement. Authorities patrol the area but did not locate anyone matching the description provided in the report.
In response to the situation, Greenville County Schools placed both schools on a secure status. This meant that all students and staff were directed to stay indoors, with no entry or exit allowed from the buildings. School administrators ensured that all individuals inside were safe.
To manage the situation effectively, law enforcement communicated that if the suspicious individual was not found by 3:30 p.m. or 3:45 p.m., they would oversee a controlled dismissal procedure. The presence of law enforcement would assist as students were escorted to their vehicles and buses, ensuring safety during the departure process. Parents and students were informed about potential delays and were thanked for their patience throughout the incident.
The secure status at both schools remained in effect until 5 p.m., when law enforcement confirmed there was no longer a threat in the area. The principal of Greer Middle School announced that staff and students could move freely about the campus once again.
After the secure status was lifted, all after-school programs and athletic activities were allowed to continue as planned, including the scheduled football game for that evening. The principal of Greer High School confirmed the resumption of these activities, providing reassurance to students and families.
During the situation, police utilized a combination of foot patrols, vehicle patrols, and drones to thoroughly canvass the area, ensuring the safety of the community. No known threats to the public were reported following the incident, reinforcing that safety measures were effective in preventing any potential harm.
This incident highlights the proactive measures schools and law enforcement take in response to potentially dangerous situations. The swift implementation of security protocols and the collaboration between school officials and law enforcement are crucial in maintaining a safe learning environment for students.
Authorities encourage the community to remain vigilant and report any suspicious activity to law enforcement. The prompt actions taken on Friday underscore the importance of preparedness and response in safeguarding public spaces, especially those frequented by children and young adults.
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Additional Resources
- WYFF4: Extra Security at Greer Middle and High
- Wikipedia: School Safety
- Fox Carolina: Greer High School Secure Status
- Google Search: Greer Middle High School Incident
- WYFF4: South Carolina High School Lockdown
- Encyclopedia Britannica: School Lockdown
- Greenville Online: Threats in Greenville County Schools
- Google News: Greer School Security
Author: STAFF HERE GREENVILLE
The HERE Greenville Staff Writers are a collaborative team of journalists, editors, and local contributors passionate about delivering accurate, timely information to the Greenville community. As part of the HEREcity.com Network, which powers over 100 U.S. city sites including HEREcolumbia.com, our staff draws on collective experience in South Carolina journalism to cover everything from business sales and real estate developments to dining deals and community initiatives. Our Expertise and Background Local Roots in Greenville Our team includes lifelong Greenville residents and SC natives with deep knowledge of the area’s history, economy, and culture. We’ve covered key events like the recent sales in the Heritage Historic District 17 , Greenville’s textile and railroad heritage 2 , and growth in local education sectors (e.g., Greenville Technical College programs) 27 . Collective Experience With over 50 combined years in journalism, our staff has backgrounds in print, digital media, and community reporting. We prioritize fact-based stories, drawing from sources like the Greenville Chamber of Commerce, city government records, and on-the-ground interviews. Commitment to Quality Every article is a group effort, involving research, editing, and verification to ensure reliability. We adhere to journalistic standards, citing credible sources and updating content as new details emerge.
