TV station apologizes for causing school lockdown

ST. LOUIS -- A St. Louis television station is apologizing for a hidden-camera news story that prompted a lockdown at Kirkwood High School, along with several complaints from parents.

A KSDK-TV reporter on Thursday visited four grade schools and Kirkwood High School without identifying himself as a journalist. At the high school, students and teachers were huddled in classrooms with the lights off for about 40 minutes after the man came into the school and asked to speak with security, then left. No one was sure who he was or where he went, leading to the lockdown.

KSDK initially defended its reporting. But in leading its 10 p.m. newscast Sunday, anchor Mike Bush said that though unintentional, the station's actions caused stress and fear.