Lockdown lifted for high school in Santee

SANTEE, Calif. (FOX 5/KUSI) -- West Hills High School in Santee was temporarily placed on lockdown Wednesday after a second-hand report about a student possibly having a gun on-campus, authorities said.

Around 3 p.m., deputies responded to the school in the 8700 block of Mast Boulevard, the San Diego County Sheriff's Office said on X.

While the school was placed on lockdown, authorities searched the school where no weapon was found.

Law enforcement determined the report about a student having a gun to be false. There were no injuries.

Shortly before 4 p.m., school officials lifted the lockdown.

During the lockdown, West Hills High School Principal April Baker sent out a letter to the community saying that all campus doors were secured, and movement within the school was restricted to ensure safety.

Baker followed up with a second notice confirming law enforcement investigated the situation and determined that it was safe for them to lift the lockdown. Students were dismissed for the day.

"I will have a more substantial summary of the situation later, but I wanted to make sure all of our families knew the situation has been resolved and our students are safe," Baker said. "I am very proud of the way our staff, students, and families handled today’s situation."

Authorities advise students that if they hear of any threats or potential violence, they can approach the Sheriff's School Resource Deputies or call the anonymous @sdcrimestoppers Student Speaking Out Hotline at 888-580-8477.