Press Release for March 20, 2013
March 20, 2113 -- New Prague, MN: At approximately 7:55 this morning, the first of two calls were received by Scott County 911 Dispatch indicating a possible shooting at the New Prague Middle School. Emergency responders from New Prague Police, Savage Police, Prior Lake Police, Belle Plaine Police, Jordan Police, Shakopee Police, Lonsdale Police, the state patrol, Scott County, Rice County, and LeSueur County responded within moments, and the all schools within the New Prague Area School District were put on "Code Red" - the highest level of security alert. All of the schools were immediately under lockdown and the safety of students and staff was secured.

By 9:00 a.m., investigators on the scene were fairly confident that the call was a hoax. Subsequently, a 12-year-old male student in the New Prague Middle School was taken into custody, and no other suspects were being sought. "At no time was there the presence of a firearm within the school, and the students and staff were never in any danger," said New Prague Police Chief Mark Vosejpka. "But it is important to note that our emergency response system worked exactly as it was designed. I want to commend all of the law enforcement and emergency response officials and staff for their immediate response, and thank the school officials and staff for their quick action in protection of the kids."

"Children's safety is always our top priority," said New Prague Area Schools Superintendent Larry Kauzlarich. "This incident truly underscores how critical our 'Code Red' training has been." In recognition that the experience was quite frightening for the Middle School students, Superintendent Kauzlarich is assuring parents that school counselors and social workers will be on hand when the schools re-open on Thursday, March 21.

Given the ongoing nature of the investigation and the young age of the suspect, investigators are not releasing any additional details at this time.