Cowiche Elementary School Locked Down After Gun Shots Heard

A Cowiche elementary school was locked down Wednesday morning after gunshots were heard outside the school. Kids were locked in the school and authorities were called. Deputies from the Yakima County Sheriff's Office and officers from the Tieton Police department and State Patrol troopers responded. They soon found that a farmer had been shooting rodents in a field near the school and the lock-down was ended. According to a press release from the sheriff's office the incident was an excellent demonstration of the value of the on-going multi-jurisdictional training related to active shooters in schools that is being conducted throughout Yakima County. Personnel from multiple agencies responded and performed as a coordinated unit to address the issue. Sheriff's officials say with the continuing concern over school violence and safety, people should be aware and use good judgment when making decisions to target practice or shoot near a school. especially while school is in session.