More than 100 sheriff’s deputies and officers with guns drawn roamed San Marcos High School for eight chaotic hours Wednesday — all responding to “reports” of an active shooter on campus. But CNN didn’t break in live.
No real shots were fired, and the “one dead and seven wounded” were actors as deputies from the San Marcos and Vista sheriff stations along with other officers took part in an active-shooter drill.
The drill was held on the otherwise empty campus from 9 a.m. until 5 p.m. — since school was out for the summer.
“The scenario involved a student who came to school and just started shooting,” said a sheriff’s spokeswoman. “The scenario was repeated three times during the day to allow more than 100 deputies and officers with various shifts to take part in the drill.”
Goal of the exercise was to practice positions in clearing rooms, rescue the wounded and evacuate potential victims while communicating with emergency personnel.
Nearby communities were notified about the training exercise through the Sheriff’s Facebook and Twitter pages, as well as Nixle (notification service via web, email or text message). Road signs were also posted around the school about the drill.
Also taking part were the San Marcos Fire Department, Palomar College campus police, Cal State San Marcos police, Escondido police and Oceanside police.
The Sheriff’s Department reminds students that if they hear any threats of violence or even potential violence, they can approach on-campus deputies or call the anonymous Crime Stoppers Students Speaking Out Tip Line at (888) 580-8477 or the Sheriff’s Department at (858) 565-5200.