Batavia middle school placed on hold after empty gun casing found in classroom

A Batavia middle school was placed on hold Oct. 22 after an empty shell casing from a gun was found on the floor of a classroom.

The “hold” at Sam Rotolo Middle School, which restricts student movements but is less severe than a school lockdown, was in place while the school and law enforcement investigated the issue, Batavia Public School District 101 officials said.

School district officials said all the students in the classroom where the gun casing was found were interviewed about the incident. The district said the investigation determined no active threat toward students or staff and that there was no indication the gun casing was brought into the classroom intentionally.

After the investigation, all students returned to their regular class schedule for the rest of the school day.

The Batavia Police Department said no further steps were being taken.

After the incident, the district posted on social media about the importance of safe storage of weapons and ammunition in the home. The district said properly securing firearms, including spent shell casings, can prevent accidental injuries and prevent kids from getting their hands on the items.