FAIRMOUNT — Over 100 officers responded to a report of possible shots fired at Madison-Grant Jr./Sr. High School on Tuesday morning, according to Grant County Sheriff's Department Captain Ed Beaty.
The Grant County Sheriff's Department was dispatched to the Fairmount, Indiana school at 9:05 a.m. after a 911 call reported a possible three gunshots heard at the school's located at 11700 South State Road 9.
Several agencies responded, and the Madison-Grant school went on lockdown.
The first officers on the scene did an initial clearing of the building and declared that the shots were from outside of the school. Secondary officers arrived and cleared the external of the buildings, parking lots and the woods adjacent to the school. Once cleared, officers re-entered the building for a second weep of the school. The Indiana State Police had a helicopter in the air to conduct an aerial search, as well.
About 40 minutes later, officers reported back to the Madison-Grant School Superintendent, Dr. Deetz, that nothing had been located.
Students were released from lockdown, and class resumed as usual. Uniformed officers remained on school grounds, during passing periods, to reassure the safety of students and staff.
The following agencies responded to the call: Grant County Sheriff's Department, Indiana State Police (Peru Post, Pendelton Post, and Aviation Section), Fairmount Police Department, Summitville Police Department, Alexandria Police, Gas City Police Department and EMS service from Madison and Grant County.
Captain Ed Beaty had the following to say about how appreciative he was of the response:
"All came together, under many different hats to make sure the students and staff was safe. I want to thank each Agency that responded to the call and if I missed naming one I apologize, that's how many answered the call.
Although this was an unsubstantiated alarm, it was the willingness of the school administrators to sound the alarm after hearing what was believed to be gun shots. It is a testament that the Local School Officials place the safety of our children first and foremost."
