Pocatello schools placed under “controlled access”

The Wilcox Elementary school at 427 Lark Lane in Pocatello was under controlled access in response to a reported incident in the neighborhood Friday afternoon. A similar order was in effect for nearby Hawthorne Middle School and New Horizon High School.

According to Pocatello Police someone reported hearing gun shots in the neighborhood. But, Lieutenant Paul Manning said police have located a witness who said he believed the sound was probably a back-firing truck. But, Manning said police took all necessary precautions.

School District spokesperson Shelley Allen said parents were notified by text message that elementary students who rode the bus would be transported home. However, students who walk to school were held in the school until their parents arrived to pick them up.

New Horizon High School and Hawthorne Middle School were placed under a controlled access lockdown. Their release was not affected because Police had resolved their investigation by the time classes ended.