Joint Statement from LCSD and Leadville Police Department

Today at Lake County High School there was a physical altercation early in the school day between a returning student and a student new to our schools. The students involved were suspended and sent home for the day per the school’s discipline protocols. 

Midday, at a location in the community not near the school, there was a confrontation between these students. One student was injured and transported to receive medical attention. Fortunately, the student has been released from medical care and is expected to make a full recovery. 

Because the students who instigated the confrontation in the community were at large, the Leadville Police Department advised us to put Lake County High School on lockdown status, and all other schools and buildings on secure status. Lockdown status means “lock, lights, out of sight.” Secure status means that nobody is allowed in or out.

At approximately 1:03 pm, Lake County Deputies detained 3 suspects and secured the involved weapon. At this time, Leadville PD determined that there was no threat to our schools or our students, and we made the joint decision to release the lockdown at LCHS and the secure status at our other schools. The lockdown was put in place in an abundance of caution as there was no credible threat to the school or the students. 

Students at LCHS were given access to their cell phones within 30 minutes of the lockdown and were able to call or text their parents. We did a controlled release of students at LCHS, releasing them to parents. All other schools had a normal end of the day and dismissal. While this is far from how we wished to start the school year, we are grateful to our first responders, front office staff, administration, teachers and everyone else who assisted with today’s rapid response. This is an active, ongoing investigation and we thank the community for their cooperation during this time.