COLUMBIA, S.C. — Students were allowed to leave Eau Claire High School following reports of gunfire near the campus on Thursday afternoon.
According to Richland One School District spokesperson Karen York, the school system was notified of reports of gunfire in the area of the Eau Claire High School campus during the 3 p.m. hour.
Columbia Police said they received the initial reports from the department's ShotsSpotter alert system which listens for and triangulates the sounds of gunfire Police have since determined that gunshots on Elliott Avenue originated in the parking lot of the school.
York said the immediate concern was for the safety of students who are usually released from their classes roughly in that timespan. However, she said there were no reports of injuries among students or staff.
Columbia Police also said they had no reports of injuries -- on the campus or in the general neighborhood.
A male student involved in the incident has been identified and Columbia Police are searching for him and the weapon. There is no on-going threat to the school and no danger to the community. The investigation ongoing.
