CHESTERFIELD, Mo. – Chesterfield police briefly detained the parent of a Parkway West High School student after an incident sent several schools into lockdown Wednesday.
Just before 12:10 p.m., the Chesterfield Police Department received word of a bomb threat. A caller told police they were going to bring weapons and explosives to a school. The initial comments identified Parkway West High School but later changed to Parkway West Middle School.
Police sent patrols to the campuses and spoke to each school’s resource officers. They say the source of the threat, which was ultimately unfounded, came from outside of St. Louis County.
Parkway Schools Superintendent Dr. Keith Marty sent a letter to parents explaining the situation.
“We understand that any potential threat and change in activities can be unsettling for students and staff. We thank everyone who did an outstanding job of taking this situation seriously, acting swiftly and according to our procedures, and keeping learning for students as normal as possible during this time. We appreciate the quick and thorough response from law enforcement officials,” Marty wrote.
Students and staff were told to remain inside and continue with normal school activities during the heightened security situation.
The Missouri State Highway Patrol, St. Louis County Police Department, and Creve Coeur Police Department assisted in searching the campus. The lockdown was eventually lifted.
A police spokesperson said a male was detained for questioning after he arrived at the school. He was released after questioning.
