March 13, 2009 — Both St. Thomas high schools were locked down for about two hours Friday, turning law enforcement officials loose on a multi-campus search for weapons and other contraband.
"It was reported that an incident would take place at one of the high schools, but no indication was made as to the specific school," District Superintendent Jeanette Smith-Barry said Friday. "We at the district thought it prudent to lock them both down as part of an overall safety and security measure. Enforcement officers from various agencies joined forces to complete the operation as expeditiously as possible."
No weapons were found at Charlotte Amalie High School, and precautions were taken to protect students at nearby Lockhart Elementary. Meanwhile, the search turned up two knives at Ivanna Eudora Kean. A gun was found on an adult at the Raphael O. Wheatley Skill Center, according to a department spokeswoman.
"Both exercises at the high schools were smooth and orderly, and at no time were any of the students or staff in danger or facing any risk," Deputy Police Chief Dwayne deGraffe said in a statement Friday. "We applaud the administrations and student bodies of both schools for their diligence, proactive responses and cooperation, as well as the V.I. Police Department and other associated law enforcement response teams."
