Officer's gun goes off at Mass. school while investigating hoax 'swatting' call

The Danvers Police Department said an officer's gun had discharged while searching the school, which elevated the situation to an active shooter response

By Sarah Roebuck
Police1

DANVERS, Mass. — An officer's gun discharged while responding to a report at a school that was revealed to be a swatting hoax, CBS News reports.

The Danvers Police Department, along with state police, responded to St. John's Prep and immediately ordered students and staff to shelter in place. After several sweeps of the school, no threats were identified.

Massachusetts State Police said the initial report started as a person with a gun at the school.

Later in the day, Danvers Police Department said an officer's gun had discharged while investigators were responding to the school, which elevated the situation to an active shooter response.

FINAL UPDATE—Threat of a shooter has been confirmed to be a hoax. All search teams secure from the school. Investigation ongoing to determine the source of the hoax threat. https://t.co/ATU3SZvdlp
— Mass State Police (@MassStatePolice) May 22, 2023

A secondary sweep was conducted and during that time, the building was cleared.

“The swift and professional response from the Danvers Police Department, the Massachusetts State Police and our regional public safety partners to this potentially tragic situation made it possible to clear the large campus in less than one hour. Our deepest gratitude to area agencies for their response. We also commend the St. John’s Prep administration for their composure and cooperation as the situation unfolded. Their leadership in the face of chaos made a difference,” said Danvers town officials in a statement.