UPDATE: Officials Respond to LHS Gun-to-School 'Rumor'

There were increased police patrols and presence around Lexington High School today, Dec. 21, following alleged threats that a student would bring a gun to school, according to a Lexington Police Department spokesman.

The investigation into the alleged threat is ongoing, Lt. John Mazerall said Friday.

Meanwhile, Associate Principal Adam Goldberg said Friday was more or less a normal day at LHS, but deferred additional comment to Superintendent of Schools Paul Ash. 

Ash also said it seems things are going smoothly at LHS on this final school day before winter vacation. The superintendent's office has not received calls today about the issue, and there is no indication the events of last night had any impact on attendance today, he said.

Originally posted at 8 a.m.

In an email to the school community sent late Thursday night, Superintendent of Schools Paul Ash informed parents that social media sparked concern about a student bringing a gun to school and shared the Police Department’s response, which determined there was no credible threat. 

LHS Principal Laura Lasa sent out a similar email. Both communications included a police statement, provided by Chief Mark Corr.

"Lexington Police detectives found no credible evidence to believe that this threat was real and will continue to investigate this rumor," Corr's statement said. "Given the heightened anxiety caused by the Newtown CT tragedy, we understand why a rumor such as this may have taken place."

Read the text of the email below:

Dear Parents and Guardians,

Late this afternoon, the high school administration received information about an alleged Facebook posting that has raised understandable concern in the community. The high school immediately contacted the Lexington Police Department and we have just received the following statement from Chief of Police, Mark Corr:

Today, there was a rumor that a student threatened to bring a gun to the high school. School officials worked closely with the Lexington Police Department and the students involved in this matter have been interviewed. Lexington Police detectives found no credible evidence to believe that this threat was real and will continue to investigate this rumor. I repeat - there is no credible evidence to believe the threat was real. Given the heightened anxiety caused by the Newtown CT tragedy, we understand why a rumor such as this may have taken place.

The Lexington Public Schools and Police Department will continue to take any threat to school safety very seriously.

Please know that student and faculty safety is and will continue to be our highest priority.

Paul B. Ash, Ph.D.
Superintendent of Schools

Stay tuned to Patch for more information as it becomes available.