No threat amid investigation into report of gunman at St. John’s Prep in Danvers

There were no threats identified following an initial sweep of St. John’s Prep in Danvers amid an investigation into a report of a person with a gun on campus Monday.

Local and state police descended upon the school on Spring Street shortly before 2 p.m. and immediately ordered students and staff to shelter in place.

“Several dozen troopers and Danvers police responded to St. John’s Prep for a report of a person with a gun at the school. Immediate entry was made and no threats were identified at this time,” state police said in a tweet.

Law enforcement teams are doing secondary sweeps at this time and working to clear one building at a time. There have been no reported injuries.

“Teams still conducting sweeps, still no threats detected,” state police said.

Students have since been cleared out of buildings. Some students who fled the school on their own are being directed to the Stop & Shop on Newbury Street to be picked up by their parents.

In a statement, St. John’s Prep said, “There has been a report of an active shooter on campus at Benjamin Hall. Danvers and state police are on site. Students, faculty, and staff are sheltering in place. We will further provide updates as soon as possible.

Benjamin Hall is home to middle school students, labs, and a dining hall.

Shortly before 3:30 p.m., educators announced that they believe the school was the victim of a swatting call.

“We believe that St. John’s was the victim of a swatting call. Everyone is safe. There have been no injuries and police are currently clearing campus buildings as we account for all the students,” school officials said.

There is a heavy police presence at the school and surrounding streets. Video from the scene showed cruisers from multiple departments, officers with rifles, and K9 teams gathered outside.