Police: Witness Lied About Concord, NH High School Threat
CONCORD, N.H. (CBS) - A sophomore at Concord High School in New Hampshire could face a felony or misdemeanor after claiming a classmate had a gun in school.
"The allegation that a firearm was displayed and that somebody threatened with a firearm is absolutely false," said Concord Police Lt. Timothy O'Malley.
School officials say both students were on campus Tuesday night filming a zombie movie. Police placed the school on lockdown and later arrested the 18-year-old boy accused of having the gun. He was charged with Criminal Threatening. Teams of officers swarmed the school looking for a weapon. About 200 people were at the school taking part in numerous activities.
After several interviews, the girl who made the claim told police she had lied. Charges were dropped against the boy overnight and he was released.
During the incident, rumors swirled on social media about what had happened. Some saw people leaving the school with what appeared to be blood on their faces, leading to speculation of a violent encounter. The blood turned out to be make-up the actors in the zombie film were wearing.
"There were a lot of stories out there that were just not true," said Concord High School Principal Gene Connolly.
Concord Police Chief John Duval says the heavy police presence cost his department up to $10,000. But several communities sent resources, which will add to the final tab for the entire incident.
It is unclear why the girl made up the story.
Students at the school today said the phony claim was what everyone was talking about.
"I thought it was a waste of money," said student Marc Gaudet. "Whatever that girl was thinking was not smart."
