Sheriff: Report of New Prague School Shooting a Hoax

Authorities have said that a 12-year-old boy is responsible for a shooting scare that instigated a lockdown at New Prague Middle School and put neighboring districts on high alert.

According to the Scott County Sheriff's Office, a call came in around 7:55 Wednesday morning. The caller indicated that there was a possible shooting at the New Prague Middle School. Within the hour, emergency responders from eleven different police entities were on scene: New Prague Police, Savage Police, Prior Lake Police, Belle Plaine Police, Jordan Police, Shakopee Police, Lonsdale Police, the state patrol, Scott County Sheriff’s Office, Rice County Sheriff’s Office, and the LeSueur County Sheriff’s Office. All schools within the New Prague Area School District were put on “Code Red” and placed under lockdown. 

In less than two hours, investigators determined that the call was a hoax and a 12-year-old male student in the New Prague Middle School was taken into custody. No other suspects are being sought.

“At no time was there the presence of a firearm within the school, and the students and staff were never in any real danger,” said New Prague Police Chief Mark Vosejpka. “But it is important to note that our emergency response system worked exactly as it was designed. I want to commend all of the law enforcement and emergency response officials and staff for their immediate response, and thank the school officials and staff for their quick action in protection of the kids.” 

The lockdown in New Prague caused a bit of a stir in Shakopee schools as well. Superintendent Rod Thompson sent out text messages to students and staff this morning saying that everything is secure in the Shakopee school district and there is no cause for alarm.