Apparent threat at Cascade High turned out to be airsoft gun

EVERETT — An airsoft pistol which was initially suspected to be a firearm led to lockdowns at two schools Friday, three days after a teenager killed 19 students and two teachers at an elementary school in Texas.

Around 11:15 a.m., Everett police received “a report of a firearm” near Cascade High School. A witness reported seeing two people exchange what appeared to be a gun and then walk toward the school campus, Everett officer Kerby Duncan said.

Officers conducted a security sweep of the campus “out of an abundance of caution,” according to an Everett police tweet. The sweep turned up an airsoft pistol, Duncan said.

Both Cascade and nearby Evergreen Middle School were in lockdown for about an hour. Both schools were expected to get out at the normal time.

Officers were still talking to the person who police believe had the airsoft gun, which shoots non-lethal plastic pellets. No arrests had been made as of Friday afternoon, Duncan said.

Parents in the neighboring Mukilteo School District were notified via email Friday.

“Given the events earlier this week, it is especially important to remind students absolutely NO weapons are permitted at school, even toy weapons,” the email read. “This is never funny and there are real consequences for bringing this kind of toy to school. While we are thankful this was not a real weapon, please help us impress upon your family the importance of them following these safety rules.”