93.3 KWTO Keeping Watch Over the Ozarks
Police and ambulances have arrived at Hillcrest High School in Springfield as the building is currently being evacuated.
Springfield Police were called to the scene following an anonymous report of shots fired. Authorities say, however, there is “no indication” of an active shooter situation.
Officers are assisting school staff and officials with the evacuation of the building, and have blocked off a portion of Grant Avenue near the school.
Reports say parents heading to the school to pick up their children must go to the Ozark Empire Fairgrounds.
We at KWTO will update this story as more information is released to the public.
UPDATE:
The following was release a short time ago from Hillcrest High School principal Dr. Rob Kroll.
Dear Hillcrest families:
We want to let you know that there is currently a police presence at Hillcrest but everyone is safe. Springfield police and school police are responding to a 911 call that shots had been fired on campus. However, at this time, there is no indication that that has happened. Again, everyone at Hillcrest is safe at this time.
The building is currently locked down as law enforcement conduct a classroom by classroom search of the building. We are encouraging students and families to remain calm as we investigate this report. When we have more facts to share we will update you immediately. In the meantime, we ask that you do not come to the school.
Thank you for your understanding as we respond.
UPDATE: 1:46 p.m.
Authorities are evacuating students and staff to the schools football field, where they will then be transported to the Ozark Empire Fairgrounds.
Another update from Dr. Rob Kroll is as follows:
This update is to reiterate that all Hillcrest students and staff are safe and to provide next steps. There is no evidence of a credible threat and the building has been cleared room by room.
Out of an abundance of caution students have been escorted for reunification to the Ozark Empire Fairgrounds. Reunification through parent pick up is optional. Parents who wish to pick up their child early should enter the Fairgrounds through Gate 10 and exit through Gate 2 after reunification occurs. Students who drive will be dismissed following reunification of other students. Bus service for those who ride the bus will be provided at the regular time. Any students who are not participating in reunification with parents at the Fairgrounds will be dismissed at the regular time.
Thank you for your patience and understanding as we followed our emergency procedures to ensure that all students and staff are safe.
We greatly appreciate the prompt, professional response of local law enforcement and our school police officers.