Cleveland school placed on lockdown during first week of new school season

CLEVELAND, Tennessee(WDEF) –The perception of gun fire forced an elementary school into lockdown for 30 minutes.

It happened Thursday morning around 8:30 at Mayfield Elementary School.

According to Principal Randall Stephens, the school went into lockdown after someone thought a gunman was firing rounds near the school.

"When our school resource officer comes in and hears something that’s happened in the community, we want to respond to that. We did and our students and staff did a great job responding to that," Stephens said.

Several police officers quickly arrived on scene but there was no gunman. What sounded like gunshots was actually a transformer exploding nearby.

The perceived sound of gunfire outside the school comes just one day after a man attacked a movie theater near Nashville. It also comes several weeks after a gunman attacked a military training center in Chattanooga. Those recent events alone has many people on edge.

"I think it’s gotten to the point where there’s been fear instilled into our communities and people because of the recent events," said Cleveland Police Spokesperson Evie West.

The next question is whether or not reacting to what sound like potential danger become the new norm; given what the Tennessee has already endured in recent weeks.

"I think people probably have a little more heightened awareness than in the past," Stephens said.

"I hope it’s not the new norm. People deserve to live in the community and place where they don’t have to feel threatened," West said.