Bluffton Exempted Village Schools were placed on lockdown this morning (May 19) at 8:05 a.m. in response to a parent reporting suspicious activity to school administrators according to Rick Skilliter, Bluffton Police Chief.

According to Greg Denecker, Bluffton superintendent, "In reality it was a miscommunication between the student and the school. The student was bringing a prop for a play."

The parent observed a school-aged male walking with what appeared to be a long barreled firearm in the area of the Middle/Elementary School complex.

Area law enforcement officers responded to secure the building and initiated a search. After a few minutes, a teacher discovered a BB gun in one of the areas of the school.

Officials identified the student who brought the BB gun and spoke with him. It was determined the student brought the gun as part of a class presentation and no threat was intended.

The school system cancelled its lockdown at 8:42 a.m.

Police officials have turned the matter over to the school for disposition.

Agencies responding to the incident included Bluffton Police, Allen County Sheriff's Office, and Pandora Police Department.

Greg Denecker, Bluffton superintedent said in an e-mail to rresidents of the school district: "Everything is fine. We had a lock down this morning and it turned out to be a BB gun for a play. Everyone is safe and we are having a normal day now."