Multiple Petersburg schools forced into lockdown by gunshots

PETERSBURG, Va. (WRIC) -- Gunshots forced multiple Petersburg schools to go into lockdown Tuesday afternoon.

Just after 3 p.m. on Tuesday, Oct. 28, the Petersburg Bureau of Police said it was "conducting an investigation" in the area of Johnson Road and Homestead Drive.

Shortly after, Petersburg City Public Schools said that the two schools in that area -- Vernon John Middle School and Petersburg High School -- were on lockdown due to a "safety issue and police investigation near Petersburg High."

By 4 p.m., the lockdown at Vernon John Middle was lifted and students were dismissed. At 4:13 p.m., the lockdown at Petersburg High was lifted, with parents and guardians being asked to pick their children up at the Homestead parking lot.

Later that same evening, Petersburg Schools shared a statement, explaining that gunshots were heard near Petersburg High's parking lot after dismissal. All student buses had already been loaded and had left the campus by this time.

All students who remained at the school were taken to a secure location by administration and the school was placed on lockdown.

"This incident is still currently under investigation by the Petersburg Bureau of Police and we are working with them to investigate what took place today," the school district said. "We do not have any specific information about who was involved but according to the police, there are no injuries reported."

The school district stressed that there was never an active shooter on Petersburg High property. Even so, there will be an increased law enforcement presence on campus to support school safety.

"Please know that the safety of our students and staff remains our central priority," the school district said. "We understand that today may have been upsetting for our community. If you or your child need[s] support, please contact school administration."

No additional information is available as of the time of reporting.