School placed on 'secure status' while law enforcement searched school

ALLIANCE -- The Alliance Police Department, in coordination with the Box Butte County Sheriff's Office, responded to a report of a student possibly in possession of a firearm at Alliance Middle School earlier today.

Upon receiving the report, officers and deputies immediately responded to the school. As a precaution, Alliance Middle School was placed on a brief secure status while law enforcement conducted a thorough search of the building.

At no time during the incident was there an immediate threat to students or staff on school grounds. The secure status was lifted once officers and deputies determined it was safe to do so. No firearm was located and it was determined to be a false report.

The Alliance Police Department and Box Butte County Sheriff's Office appreciate the cooperation of the school administrator and staff during this response. The safety of students and staff remains the highest priority, and reports of this nature are taken seriously and handled with care and urgency.