At approximately 8:50 a.m., on Thursday, May 29, according to police, the 6th Precinct Police were dispatched to Manhasset High School shortly after a 14-year-old student reported to school authorities that he had observed three unknown males, whom he believed to be students, handling what appeared to be a handgun in a school bathroom.

The school district superintendent was notified, according to detectives, a lockdown of the premises was put into effect, and the students and building were searched, with the assistance of the 6th Precinct, Bureau of Special Operations, Highway/Canine Unit and Emergency Services Unit. Results of the search proved negative: no weapons were recovered. The lockdown reportedly was in effect from approximately 9:40 a.m. to 2 p.m.

According to information posted by the school, a thorough police investigation included reviewing images from surveillance cameras and questioning approximately 120 staff and about 1,318 students in grades 7-12, especially those in the vicinity at the time of the sighting. Police and school personnel conducted a locker and building search; police used metal wand detectors to screen each student and their book bag before dismissal yet no weapon was discovered. Students, by all accounts, conducted themselves in an exemplary fashion after finding themselves enmeshed in a situation far beyond their control.

Assistant Superintendent for Business Rosemary Johnson was on the scene and agreed, "The students are terrific. I've been in many classrooms and everyone is very calm. It's the rumor mill, the text messages fueling the fear."

Alison Willner, a college student home for the summer, was leisurely strolling through town when she received a text message from her sister, Jaclyn, a Manhasset sophomore, notifying her "there's a lockdown" and providing details of the bizarre event. Her sister wanted her to know "I'm in the room, and safe." And, Alison said, she promised to give her updates.

On school grounds, behind the area cordoned off by the police, Tyler Dzierzawski, director of student ministries at Shelter Rock Church on Plandome Road, said in the morning after he turned on his phone he had five or six text messages and "I booked over here." One student told him gunmen were spotted in the school "and I'm locked in a classroom. There's SWAT here and everything."

Another parent said her son couldn't figure out what was going on and was looking to her for information.

Concerned parents made their way to the school looking for information along with Channel 2 News, Channel 7 Eyewitness News and News Channel 4. Officers Michael-Hayes Usinger and Laura-Jean Liberatore were on duty keeping order as worried parents gathered at the scene. Rumors were flying. Early on, Dr. Shine briefed parents on the lawn. Later Det. Sgt. Anthony Repalone, public information officer, spoke to parents on the perimeter of the grounds telling them the kids were calm and informing them of procedures being followed.

School officials praised police officers, under the command of Inspector Stephen Williams, who provided them, they said, with a sense of security and inspired confidence. Parents compared text messages and agreed the student who informed the administration of what he believed he saw was to be commended. Parent Lisa Brennan noted information was quickly communicated to parents from school authorities by cell phones, home phones and email. Dr. Schlanger, she said, should be commended for his quick response to the unfolding situation. Schlanger ordered the lockdown--a procedure defined in the district's state required disaster plan. Police state the investigation is ongoing.

Heidi McNamara had two children in the building and both, she said, forgot their cell phones today. "I bet they never will again."