‘Popping sounds’ cause school lockdown

Santa Fe High scare highlights concern over gun incidents

Sante Fe High School in Galveston County went on lockdown for more than an hour Wednesday afternoon after receiving a report of gunshots that turned out to be a false alarm.

Superintendent Leigh Wall released a statement to parents on Facebook explaining that “at approximately 12:30 p.m. (Feb. 28) Santa Fe High School was placed on lockdown as a precautionary measure as a result of a report of popping sounds thought to be gun shots heard outside the school and in the area.”

Sante Fe ISD police and Santa Fe law enforcement officials responded to ensure that students were safe and no threat was present. The lockdown was lifted about 1:45 p.m.

“In light of recent tragic nationwide events, we realize that this incident was especially concerning for our students, staff and parents,” the release said.

There were no reported injuries. The district released a statement on Facebook on Wednesday morning explaining that a social media post showing a student with a weapon shared Feb. 26 led to two Santa Fe ISD students being removed.

“The Santa Fe ISD Police Department continues to investigate this incident and has conferred with the Galveston County District Attorney’s Office and no charges have been filed at this time,” the district’s Facebook post says. “The students involved in this investigation have been removed from the campus until the investigation is complete.”

Santa Fe is located between Alvin and Galveston, and the high school is at 16000 Texas 6. Calls to the Santa Fe ISD police Department were transferred to the Santa Fe ISD public relations department and were not immediately returned.