Authorities: Squirrel hunter prompts school lockdown

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FLORENCE, SC (WMBF) - A Florence elementary school was locked down Tuesday afternoon after parents saw a man with a rifle nearby.

Florence Police Maj. Carlos Raines said the man was reported near a tree line near McLaurin Elementary, 1400 McMillian Ln., around 11:45 a.m.

Florence School District 1 spokeswoman Pam Little McDaniel confirmed the school was locked down.

Florence County Sheriff's Department spokesman Michael Nunn said deputies and police officers secured the perimeter of the school. Tracking dogs located a man matching the physical description of the suspect, who said he had been squirrel hunting with a pellet rifle in the woods near the school.

School officials later removed the lock-down order and classes were allowed to continue.

"This incident turned out to be innocent and the school was never threatened or in any danger," Sheriff Kenney Boone stated. "But we take every potential threat seriously, especially when it comes to the safety of our school children."

The individual with the pellet rifle was unaware that his actions had caused the school to be locked down. No charges are expected to be filed.

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