School placed on lockdown, police search for gunman

SOUTHWEST MIAMI-DADE, Fla. (WSVN) -- Miami-Dade Police placed a South Florida middle school on lockdown Tuesday night, after a gunman was reported on school grounds.

The incident occurred at Hammocks Middle School on Southwest 98th Street and Hammocks Boulevard at 9 p.m. Witnesses said they saw a man carrying a snub-nosed gun walking near the school, while adult night classes were in session and notified police.

Police arrived on scene with canine units, set up a perimeter and placed the school on lockdown for hours. "The armed gunman was here in the parking lot, then ran towards the school. We then put the school on lockdown and began our search," said Miami-Dade Police Detective Roy Rutland.

Police said 200 people were inside the school at the time, while loved ones frantically waited for their relatives to exit the school. "Oh, it's terrible, I'm shaking right now," said Carla Tola.

Inside the school, everyone was under police surveillance until the building was thoroughly searched and secured. "They moved everyone down to the main office, and everyone had to be quiet. Everybody was just sitting there," said Rachel Kuehn.

Late into the night, police confirmed the campus was safe and escorted everyone out of the building.

Police never found the supposed gunman.

If you have any information on this incident, call Miami-Dade Crime Stoppers at 305-471-TIPS. Remember, you can always remain anonymous, and you may be eligible for a reward.

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