K-9 Apollo stands on his haunches as he checks a locker with Michigan City Police Officer Greg Radiger at New Prairie High School. (Click to enlarge)
Photos and information from LaPorte County Sheriff’s Capt. Mike Kellems, PIO
A police K-9 unit, officers and school officials searched a locked down New Prairie High School after a student found a bullet on the floor of a classroom Tuesday morning, Feb. 24, 2015.
Nothing was discovered in the search after the student found the .357 Magnum bullet and gave it to Principal Greg Dettinger. The school was immediately placed on lockdown and the search ensued. Michigan City Police K-9 Apollo, trained in detection of explosive devices and ordnance, and his handler Officer Greg Radiger led the search. All lockers were checked, as well as the book bags of the students in the class where the bullet was found.
The LaPorte County Sheriff’s Office and school officials are continuing to look into the bullet’s origin.
The lockdown was lifted by 11:15 a.m., a little over an hour after the search began.
Sheriff John Boyd, who was at the school and assisted in the search, stated it was conducted out of an abundance of caution and he believes this was an isolated incident. There were no threats associated with the incident. This was the first time that a bullet has been found in a New Prairie School.
“We appreciate the quickness with which the sheriff’s office was contacted and I believe that the steps taken were appropriate,” Boyd said.
