UPDATED 3 P.M.:
The lockdown has been lifted at South Lenoir following an announcement on the school's intercom by SL Principal Steve Saint Amand. See Saturday's Free Press for more details.
UPDATED 2:40 P.M.:
Statement from Lenoir County Sheriff's Office Chief Deputy Chris Hill:
Three back to back phone calls were made to the 911 center starting at 1:07 p.m. today, reporting that there was a stabbing, shooting and a bomb at South Lenoir High School. Deputies were dispatched to South Lenoir High School but nothing was found. The students were evacuated and or locked down following their procedures when these types of events are reported.
The calls apparently came from Kinston High School. The investigation will now turn toward the identity of the callers (both males and females). False calls of incendiary devices are a felony in North Carolina.
“These false calls created a disruption at the school, put fear in the hearts of students, parents, and staff, and endanger our responding officers who are rapidly trying to get to the school. If the callers are identified they will be prosecuted.” - Chief Deputy Chris Hill.
ORIGINAL STORY:
South Lenoir High School has been placed in lockdown because of shots fired in the area; the Lenoir County Sheriff's Office is on the scene. The Free Press has learned it may possibly be because of hunters in the area. More information as it becomes available.