Cumberland County Deputies were stationed outside Brown Elementary School earlier today, as the school was placed on lockdown as multiple unconfirmed reports from citizens said a man was standing across the street near the South Cumberland Utility District building with a gun on his hip.

Below is a statement from Teen Living Teacher Tammy Dixon, who confirmed the safety of the students.

“I am a teacher, inside the school and assisted with getting the students being dropped off and inside safely,” she said. “As soon as the school was alerted we were placed on lockdown. No one has been in or out that does not work here or is a student. When I got here I rushed my 12 year old inside the school and jumped in to help. Inside this school is perfectly safe! Please know that us teachers, administrators and staff love your children and would never let them be in harms way! Mr, Lewis was on top of the situation and once all students were safely inside got that message out as soon as he stepped into the building. This incident was not on school property but across the street and this was a wonderful presence and show of protection for our school by the sheriffs department. Please know your babies are safe here!”

More information will be provided as it becomes available.

The above photo was taken by Nikki Smith.