Firecrackers Ignited Near Dexter Bus Hub Lead to School Lockdown

Firecrackers ignited near the Dexter Community Schools' central hub bus loop on Dan Hoey Road behind caused officials to institute a brief lockdown of district buildings Wednesday afternoon.

According to Superintendent Mary Marshall, around 3:04 p.m., teachers at Bates and Wylie Elementary schools heard noises that "sounded like firecrackers" coming from an adjacent neighborhood near the schools and decided to insititute an emergency lockdown until deputies from the Washtenaw County Sheriff's Department could investigate.

"The sheriff's department was very quick to respond," Marshall said. "They had 11 cars at the bus stop within a matter of minutes. We held the kids in the buses until we received an 'all clear' from the sheriff's deputies."

Marshall said the entire incident was over within 20 minutes and deputies discovered about seven used firecrackers. They are not sure who set them off.

Transportation Director Sean Burton said he was pleased with the emergency response from the sheriff's deputies.

"Building principals followed the proper procedure and sheriff's deputies were out to the schools in no time. Once again it shows how smoothly we all work together to respond in a potential emergency," Burton said.

Editor's note: This story will be updated as more information becomes available.