SHARON, W.Va. — Students at Sharon Dawes Elementary School on Cabin Creek in eastern Kanawha County were sent home early Friday morning after reports of gunshots near the school, which authorities now believe may have been caused by someone hunting in the area.
Kanawha County sheriff’s deputies were dispatched at around 7:45 a.m. after school maintenance workers heard gunfire and the sound of pellets hitting the rooftop.
The sheriff’s department said the school was immediately placed on lockdown and additional reinforcements were dispatched including the state police troopers and U.S. Marshals. A police helicopter also came to the area. Cabin Creek Road was closed for a period of time.
Kids were sent home as a precautionary measure.
Several hunters were located and questioned by authorities.
No charges have been filed.
Shotgun pellets were found on the school’s roof, though officials have not confirmed if they are directly connected to the incident, the sheriff’s department said.
The sheriff’s department and the West Virginia Natural Resources Police are continuing to investigate. Anyone one with any information about this investigation should contact the Kanawha County Sheriff’s Office at 304-357-0169.