Threats lead to lockdown at Upper Merion H.S.

A lockdown at Upper Merion High School was lifted today after rumored threats of retribution there, for a morning fight at another school, proved unfounded, police said.

Things had returned to normal at the high school on Crossfield Road in King of Prussia just before 1 p.m., a school receptionist said.

Captain John Hellebush, of the Upper Merion Township Police Department, said the building was placed in lockdown earlier after students reported rumors about someone wanting to exact revenge for a fight this morning at Central Montgomery County Vo-tech School in Plymouth Township.

Some of the students involved in the fight were from Upper Merion. The threats were taken seriously by authorities.

"The rumors escalated to the point that some students were afraid of what might happen," Hellebush said.

As a precaution against any trouble, the school decided to impose a lockdown, Hellebush said.

During a lockdown pupils must remain in classrooms with their teachers, and no outsiders are permitted to enter the school building, said police Sgt. Chuck Zadroga.

In addition, police patrols at the high school were increased, Zadroga said.