On Wednesday, Oct. 27 at approximately 9:10 a.m., Gowanda Central School Superintendent Charles Rinaldi received a call from Chief Joseph Alessi of Gowanda Police Department who advised him that an adult male left Tri-County Hospital prior to his formal release by his attending physician. The patient was not regarded as dangerous but since his motives for leaving the hospital were unknown, law enforcement advised Rinaldi to “Lock-Down” the school buildings, a routine part of the district’s Safety and Emergency Plans. This information was relayed to the three parochial schools and the DDSO staff in the Center Street School.

     The perimeter doors of all GCS buildings were secured and no staff or students were allowed outside. Teachers not assigned to instructional periods were required to monitor the hallways and doors. All other activities inside the buildings proceeded as usual and no disruptions were encountered.

     By 10:15 a.m. the “threat” had been downgraded by law enforcement, Rinaldi said. The individual was not yet located but was believed to have vacated the immediate area. However, the “lock-down” was maintained although staff members were allowed to move between buildings and students were allowed, under supervision, to board buses and cars to travel off-site (half-day Pre-K, BOCES Vocational Education).

     The patient had still not been located by 1:15 p.m. However, the plans were to have all students board their buses at the end of the school day following normal procedures. Extra staff supervision was again provided. Those students who walk to and from school were allowed to do so with the understanding with the Village Police that additional law enforcement vehicles would be patrolling the Village of Gowanda streets during dismissals, Rinaldi stated.