Heavy police and medical presence was at Perry High School early Thursday morning, about 40 miles northwest of downtown Des Moines in Dallas County, after reports of a shooting that could include more than one victim.
Police on scene have confirmed to the Des Moines Register there was a shooter but believe it is no longer an active situation. Streets for several blocks are barricaded, dozens of law enforcement from across central Iowa were on scene and a medical helicopter was seen landing at the school at about 8:30 a.m.
Parents started arriving at about 8:50 a.m. to pick up students at the high school and neighboring middle and elementary schools.
City spokesperson Chris Cohea said the elementary school nearby was locked down and all students there were being kept in their rooms.
School board member 'praying' for those involved
When reached by phone, Perry School Board member Travis Landgrebe, who has a son in sixth grade, said he could not "confirm nor deny" any reports.
Landgrebe did confirm his son was home and unharmed.
I am "praying for all involved," Landgrebe told the Des Moines Register in a phone interview.