NORTH CENTER — A potential bomb threat at Lane Technical College Prep led to a hasty evacuation Thursday evening, and school officials declared the building "safe to occupy" hours later.
Police arrived around 5:30 p.m. as fire alarms sounded in the school, said junior Brian DeZara. Police activity was reported near the school, 2501 W. Addison St., Chicago police said Thursday night.
DeZara was at basketball practice when police evacuated anyone inside the building. DeZara left behind his cellphone, car keys and wallet behind in the gym lockers.
"We were all confused and didn't know what was going on for sure, but it was definitely scary," DeZara told DNAinfo Thursday night.
Parents posting in Raise Your Hand and Lane Tech community Facebook pages said they received automated phone calls and text alerts between 6:10 and 6:13 p.m. thanking the community for its cooperation with the evacuation.
The message said, "Thank you for your assistance in tonight's evcuation. We will communicate more information as it becomes available."
Thinking the alarms were merely a fire drill, DeZara and other team members tried to re-enter the building to get their belongings, but police blocked the entrance and told them to leave. DeZara used his coach's phone call his parents for a ride home.
He said the principal told them the search was related to a bomb threat, and police said the search could last into the night.
By about 9 p.m., school officials sent a message saying the building was all clear: "In conjunction with the appropriate law enforcement, the building has been cleared and deemed safe to occupy. Classes will be held on the regular schedule tomorrow morning."
"We will continue to work with law enforcement on the ongoing investigation. Extra security supports will be provided to the school as a precaution," the statement said.
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