Livingston Academy’s shutdown on Thursday was due to a disgruntled parent, according to the Livingston Police Department.
According the department, the lockdown was initiated after an individual arrived to pick up a student. Upon review, school officials determined the individual was not listed on the approved pickup list. As part of standard school safety procedures, faculty requested additional information to verify guardianship.
Upon the request, a verbal disagreement occurred between the individual and school staff. Due to the individual’s aggressive behavior, the individual was escorted from the front office to the sidewalk area in front of the school. As a precautionary measure and in the interest of student safety, Livingston Academy was placed on lockdown.
At no time during this incident were any students in danger or at risk of harm. Livingston Police Chief Ray Smith said reports circulating that the situation involved an active shooter are false. Smith said that such misinformation caused concern and distress among parents and community members, and the department wants to address those concerns directly.