The lockdown at Winnfield Middle School and Winnfield Senior High School was lifted Friday afternoon after authorities determined students and staff were safe, according to the Winn Parish Sheriff’s Office.

The schools were placed on lockdown shortly after noon Dec. 12 when more than 20 gunshots were heard while about 80 students were outside, the sheriff’s office said. All students were brought inside the buildings in less than 45 seconds, and deputies arrived within four minutes.

The shots were believed to have come from the Wood Duck Lane area, about a half-mile from the school campuses.

Winnfield principals Brian Savell and Chase Bartless, Sheriff Josh McAllister and Winn Parish Superintendent Troy Bell lifted the lockdown around 1:30 p.m.

The sheriff’s office said that at the time the lockdown was lifted, all students and staff were safe and accounted for. Additional officers remained at the campuses out of an abundance of caution.