Police: East Garner student had machete, made threats prior to lockdown

East Garner Elementary School was on Code Red lockdown Tuesday after a student was threatening others with a machete, according to police.

Officers arrived at the school on Jones Sausage Road around 12 p.m. and learned that the student became upset during a parent meeting with school administrators. The student left the building and tried to re-enter. The school was locked down to prevent the student from coming back into the building. 

The parent left the school with the student, according to police. 

Police said students and staff were never in danger. The lockdown lasted about 20 minutes.

The school wrote on its website,

"We are proud of the manner in which our staff and students responded to the lockdown. We are also grateful to first responders and our security team for their swift response. We understand that lockdowns are stressful for students, staff and families, and we appreciate your patience and cooperation. Support is available for any student or staff member who needs additional assistance following this event."

A spokesperson with the Wake County Public School System said the lockdown at East Garner and another concurrent lockdown at a Raleigh high school more than 20 minutes away are unrelated. 

The incident is under investigation.