LAKE WALES, Fla. — A reported school shooting at Janie Howard Wilson Elementary School in Lake Wales on Wednesday afternoon was determined to be a hoax after a child reportedly dialed 911 claiming there was a shooter inside the school.
According to information gathered by Daily Ridge, the call originated from a fourth-grade student. Law enforcement and emergency responders immediately treated the situation seriously and responded to the school to investigate the report.
Lake Wales Police Department officers conducted due diligence to ensure there was no active threat on campus. Authorities ultimately determined there was no shooter and no danger to students or staff.
The incident briefly caused concern online after scanner traffic and social media reports circulated regarding a possible shooter or shooting at the school. The call was later cleared by authorities.
While the incident was determined to be a hoax, officials routinely stress that false emergency reports are taken extremely seriously due to the potential danger they create for students, staff, first responders, and the public. These are a crime. Due to the child’s age this will most likely be handled by administrators.
No injuries were reported. No charges are pending.
