EAU CLAIRE — Police received a 9-1-1 call Friday, indicating that there was a teenage male with a rifle in the bathroom of Eau Claire High/Middle School, according to the Berrien County Sheriff Department.

The call occurred at approximately 3:55 p.m. The caller did not identify himself and stated that his phone was losing power.

Police officers from the surrounding area responded to the possible armed subject in the school and a search of the building was conducted. 

At the completion of the search it was found that there was not anyone in the building with a firearm and no one was injured.  Students and staff were escorted out of the building so that parents were able to make contact with their children.

“We are glad that this incident is not what was originally reported and are pleased at the cooperative response by all the agencies involved,” said Berrien County Undersheriff Chuck Heit. “Officers responded as trained and law enforcement personnel appreciate the patience of the parents and other adults that were on scene waiting to be reunited with the students and staff that were in the school.”

The Berrien County Sheriff’s Office and Michigan State Police are assisting the Eau Claire Police Department with attempting to identify the unknown caller. Anyone with information as to the identity of the caller is asked to call (269) 983-