Mount Vernon High School went on lockdown Monday afternoon after shots were fired just outside of the school. The incident happened half an hour before school dismissal. Police recovered three shell casing outside of the school.

Public Safety Commissioner Glenn Scott and Mount Vernon Police Chief Marcel Olifiers confirmed that at least three gunshots fired at Mount Vernon High School briefly forced the school into a lockdown and led to an early dismissal on Monday afternoon. Chief Olifiers said a report of shots fired came in at 2:28 p.m. He said three shell casings were found.

“After the police got here and secured the scene, more officers were called up to the surrounding areas as well as our county and federal partners were called to come to the scene to aid in the investigation and the subsequent dismissal of the school,” Olifiers said in a brief video statement about the shooting incident. “Dismissal happened shortly after 3:00 p.m. and it was very smooth.”

In a statement, Mount Vernon Schools Superintendent Kenneth Hamilton said the shots came from a passing car. He said security cameras captured footage of a dark grey Mercedes-Benz believed to have been involved. He sent a message out at 5:03PM, Monday to alert parents to the situation, assuring them security protocols have been put in place and letting them know there will be additional security for the rest of the week or until they receive further information from the MVPD.

No injuries have been reported at this time and local, county and federal officers are still investigating at this time. School was placed on lockdown and classes were dismissed early.

Investigators are asking anyone with information to come forward. Anyone with information about the Monday afternoon incident is asked to contact the Mount Vernon Detective Division at 914-665-2510.