Police say they quickly debunked the rumor, which spread Thursday night through text messages among Scotland County students, but felt it prudent to deploy officers at the high school.
"On Thursday, the police department received unsubstantiated information that there may be some type of disturbance at the high school on the following morning," Capt. Kim Monroe said "The police department often receives information and rumors throughout the year of this same type and we try to take precautionary measures to ensure the safety of students, faculty and staff."
Police and school administrators worked together to insure their was no real threat, Monroe said, but officers were still stationed at the high school as a precaution and to alleviate feelings of insecurity among parents and students.
"We have checked on the information received by school officials, we have isolated the source of the information and everyone should continue their day as normal."
Monroe would not say what exactly the rumors were, merely that it involved a disturbance.
The source of the rumor was pinpointed, however, to a particular group of students.
"There were some things that were said during the day yesterday (Thursday)."
He believes the issue has been put to rest.
"I don't think we will have to revisit it anytime in the future."
Monroe said a situation where rumors spread about an impending conflict at a school are not uncommon, happening inside the city about once or twice a year.
Community Schools Coordinator Andy Cagle confirmed that the rumors were that a shooting would take place at the high school on Friday morning, but doubted the credibility of such rumors after the police investigation.
"We had it under good authority that there was no threat," Cagle said.
Scotland County school administrators and police decided to "err on the side of caution" and station officers around the school premises, according to Cagle.
"We really appreciate the work of the police and sheriff department."
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