Update 4:01 p.m.- The two individuals spotted with weapons were apparently carrying black AirSoft pistols, similar to BB guns, Billings Chief Rich St. John said at a press conference.
St. John said police received an initial report of an individual with a gun at the school, and they later determined the individual was at Pioneer Park.
Police later tracked the individuals to Monroe Street on Billings South Side in a vehicle and confiscated two Airsoft pistols. St. John said he doesn't know if charges will be filed.
Yellowstone County Attorney Scott Twito told Q2 that no state laws forbid possession of an Airsoft gun in public. Certain city ordinances may forbid shooting the guns in public places, he said.
He added that no additional information about charging had come to him on Tuesday afternoon.
According to the Billings Public Schools handbook, anyone who brings a firearm, including a toy gun that looks real, could face expulsion.
This is a developing story. Check out the press conference below.
UPDATE: Police have secured and cleared the school. There are no injuries. Investigation on going.
BPD updated the situation in a tweet.
Police have detained 2 juvenile subjects in connection with the incident. Police secured and cleared the school. All police are clearing the area. No injuries. Investigation ongoing. No threat at this time. https://t.co/o4Uo3gbxdu
— BillingsPD (@BillingsPD) October 22, 2019
UPDATE: Q2 has learned that all of the students are safe. Billings police said that they are looking for two juveniles who were seen by a teacher displaying a weapon in Pioneer Park.
They were seen heading toward the school and it was assumed that the juveniles had entered the school. This prompted the lock down.
BPD said that there were never any shots fired and it was not an active shooter situation.
BPD is currently searching the school.
Parents are urged to stay away from the area.
UPDATE: Q2 has been informed that Billings police have taken one man who fits the description into custody in the area but it is unknown if the man was involved in the incident.
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Billings Senior High School is currently in lock down according to a tweet from the Billings Police Department.
The public is asked to stay away from the area.
Senior High School on Lockdown. Report of person with gun. Heavy police presence. Stay away from area.
— BillingsPD (@BillingsPD) October 22, 2019
This is a developing story. We will update as soon as more information is available.
