A shooting threat that prompted lockdowns and days of increased security at Rocky Bayou Christian School was fabricated by a fifth-grade student, the Niceville Police Department announced.
- A cleaning crew discovered a handwritten note in a school bathroom on the main Niceville campus on May 13 alleging that a shooting would occur the following day. The note appeared to have been written by a child, police said.
Both Niceville campuses were immediately placed on lockdown, and school leadership notified all parents of the threat and the investigation. In coordination with Rocky Bayou Christian School officials, police implemented a comprehensive safety plan that included exhaustive searches of campus property before staff and students arrived each day.
Officers conducted systematic searches using metal detectors to screen students, backpacks and other items before entry into classrooms and buildings. Police presence was significantly increased throughout the school day.
- The investigation included numerous interviews with staff, students and parents, along with a review of video surveillance footage and analysis of evidentiary items.
On Monday, detectives obtained a confession from the juvenile responsible for the false claim. Investigators have identified no known motive for the incident, police said.
School officials have notified families within the Rocky Bayou Christian School system and advised that there is no ongoing threat to students, staff or campus operations. All school functions will resume as normal.
