Chattanooga School for the Arts and Sciences students had a long day at school on Thursday after there was concern that a man who shot a police officer not far away had slipped onto the campus.
Amy Katcher of the county schools said, "On Thursday, Chattanooga School for the Arts and Sciences was evacuated around 3 p.m. as a precaution after a shooting incident in Chattanooga earlier in the day.
"The lockdown and evacuation occurred after a visitor dropped by the school, but did not sign in. The School Resource Officer was alerted, and she called dispatch to report someone matching the suspect wanted for the earlier shooting on Mission Avenue in Chattanooga.
"All 1,100 students were taken to the stadium where a thorough headcount was taken to ensure everyone were safely evacuated. All students were accounted for and they were either picked up by parents or sent home on buses by early evening.
School principal Jim Boles said he was encouraged by the quick response of his staff. “The students were well-behaved and we were all happy to see a quick and safe outcome to this ordeal,” he said.
All evening events at the school were cancelled.