BILLINGS — Billings Senior High School was placed in lock-down on Tuesday afternoon after police received a report from a teacher who claimed to have seen two juveniles displaying at least one firearm.
MTN News has confirmed that no shots have been fired, and all students are safe.
The teacher claimed to have seen the juveniles at Pioneer Park, and said they were headed toward the school, which promoted the lock-down.
Police officers searched the school, and Billings Police Chief Rich St. John said that it is not an active shooter situation.
Police have detained two juveniles in connection with the incident, and have secured and cleared the school, saying in a social media post that there is no threat.
The names of the two people in custody have not yet been released.
Authorities are continuing to investigate the incident; we will update you when we get more information.
(UPDATE) The two people were apparently carrying black AirSoft pistols, similar to BB guns, St. John said at a press conference. Police tracked the two to Monroe Street in a vehicle and confiscated two Airsoft pistols. St. John said he doesn't know if charges will be filed.
Yellowstone County Attorney Scott Twito told MTN News that no state laws forbid possession of an Airsoft gun in public. Certain city ordinances may forbid shooting the guns in public places, he said.
He added that no additional information about filing charges had come to him on Tuesday afternoon.
According to the Billings Public Schools handbook, anyone who brings a firearm, including a toy gun that looks real, could face expulsion.
Police have detained 2 juvenile subjects in connection with the incident. Police secured and cleared the school. All police are clearing the area. No injuries. Investigation ongoing. No threat at this time. https://t.co/o4Uo3gbxdu
— BillingsPD (@BillingsPD) October 22, 2019
