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March 30, 2016 / 3:46 PM

Squirrel exterminators mistaken for gunmen cause lockdown at Arkansas school

Squirrel exterminators mistaken for gunmen cause lockdown at Arkansas school

A nimble squirrel contributed to a case of mistaken identity that briefly placed an Arkansas school on lockdown. Three exterminators were attempting to eradicate squirrels from a nearby apartment building when they were spotted by a teacher who mistook them for armed attackers. Photo by Giedriius/Shutterstock.com

HOT SPRINGS, Ark., March 30 (UPI) -- Two pest control workers accidentally caused a lockdown at an Arkansas school while attempting to remove squirrels from a nearby apartment complex.

SWAT officers arrived at Gardner Magnet School after the three exterminators were mistaken for gunmen wielding rifles.

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The exterminators fired at and missed a squirrel and began to chase the animal when they were spotted by a teacher who called police and reported gunmen on the campus.

According to police, the exterminators said they saw police and SWAT officers in the area and left because they believed a dangerous situation was taking place at the school.

The exterminators were not aware that they were the reason for the police presence, but police confirmed the three men were never actually on the school grounds.

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