2 Baltimore County Schools Locked Down After Car Backfires

SPARROWS POINT, MD — Two Baltimore County schools were briefly locked down on Thursday after a car backfired, prompting reports of a possible active shooter, according to officials.

The incident occurred around 10:50 a.m. at Sparrows Point Middle and High schools after reports of a loud noise and a possible weapon in the building, school officials said in a statement.

Baltimore County police confirmed they responded to the schools after receiving unverified reports of a shooting in the area.

The incident prompted a brief lockdown at both schools, officials said. School officials later determined the noise was caused by a backfiring car.

The lockdown was lifted around 11:30 a.m., and police said school operations have returned to normal.

No injuries were reported.