UPDATE: 3:07 p.m. - March 3, 2023
MISSOULA - We are learning more information about what prompted three Missoula schools to be locked down on Friday afternoon.
Missoula Police Department spokeswoman Whitney Bennett tells MTN News the Emergency Department at Community Medical Center (CMC) received a call from a woman saying she was going to harm herself with a weapon.
CMC went into lockdown as a precaution because they didn't know if the woman was on the property, according to Bennett.
Hospital spokeswoman Megan Condra says CMC "issued a campus-wide security alert and deployed procedures to...secure the hospital in response to a report of a potentially dangerous person on our campus."
"The safety of our patients, employees, physicians and visitors is our top priority, and we are appreciative of the Missoula Police Department and our security team for their quick response," Condra added in a statement.
As of 3 p.m., police have not located the woman and are checking locations where the woman may be, as well as her phone. Bennett noted officers are concerned for her safety.
- information from Melissa Rafferty and Mark Thorsell included in this report
(second report 2:44 p.m. - March 3, 2023)
MISSOULA - Missoula County Public Schools (MCPS) reports the perimeter lock-in at Big Sky High School has been lifted.
A message sent to parents states Missoula Police "have advised MCPS that they are comfortable lifting" the lock-in.
School dismissal and bus routes will be at their usual times.
MCPS spokeswoman Tyler Christensen told MTN News that Big Sky, CS Porter Middle School and Lowell Elementary School were briefly in a perimeter lockdown due to "a concern in the area."
Law enforcement could be seen leaving the Community Medical Center campus.
(first report: 2:17 p.m. - March 3, 2023)
MISSOULA - Missoula County Public Schools has announced Big Sky High School has been locked down.
A message sent to parents states the lockdown is "due to a reported concern at Community Medical Center (CMC).
A second message from Big Sky High School states "a perimeter lock-in" is now in place.
A police presence can be seen on the CMC campus and entrances to the hospital.
Developing story. Check back for updates.
