Gun Scare Near North Johnston High Prompts Campus Lockdown

North Johnston High School on Highway 301 South of Kenly was briefly placed on lockdown this morning (Friday) after someone called 911 reporting a man was walking on Watson Road near the school carrying a gun.

The 911 call prompted a large law enforcement response. As a precaution, North Johnston High was placed on lockdown until the individual could be located.

The Johnston County Sheriff’s Office said the individual was walking down the roadway pushing a bicycle and carrying a BB gun. Deputies found the individual at their nearby home and said there was never a threat to the school or to anyone. Officials added that the man never went onto the school campus, was not headed to the campus, and there was no criminal intent.

The man will not face any charges.

The lockdown was lifted after the man was located and questioned.

Photos by John Payne