Salem Grade School placed on lockdown; children lied about being chased by adult

KENOSHA -- Officials with the Salem School District in a message on their website said students were being held at school Wednesday, Feb. 21 -- dismissal postponed. Officials with the Kenosha County Sheriff's Department said a report came in indicating children said they were chased by an adult at the end of the school day. That report turned out to be a hoax, Kenosha County sheriff's officials said. It appears the children lied.

As of 4 p.m., school district officials said they were "investigating a situation that happened near the time of dismissal."

Kenosha County sheriff's officials said shortly before 3:30 p.m., a 911 call came in from a home near Salem Grade School, with the caller reporting two children had been chased by an adult as they were leaving the grade school at the end of the school day.

These children ran to home and weren't hurt, sheriff's officials said. Deputies blanketed the area to search for the suspect.

Salem Grade School administration placed the school on lockdown and dismissal was postponed.

It was soon learned this situation was a hoax, and the story was falsified.

The investigation is ongoing.

Salem School District officials have posted this message to their website:

"Feb 21 - This afternoon we received a report of a suspicious individual who allegedly was attempting to gain access into the building. Together with the Kenosha County Sheriff’s Department we followed up on the report and investigated the situation. During the investigation it was determined that the report was not valid. We did not want to release students without clearance from Kenosha County Sheriff’s Department personnel. Student safety is a critical priority. We appreciate your understanding of the delayed release of your children."