Student dressed as Stormtrooper entering school prompts 911 call, evacuation

Student was not holding a blaster, nor did they have a lightsaber.

ASHWAUBENON, Wis. — A student dressed as a storm trooper for “Star Wars Day” prompted the evacuation of a Wisconsin high school when a frightened parent saw the costumed figure entering the facility and called 911.

A passerby called 911 to report that a person “wearing a plastic mask, what he perceived to be a ballistic-type vest and carrying a backpack and bag” had entered the school shortly after it opened its doors Thursday morning, an Ashwaubenon Public Safety spokesman said.

Police Capt. Jody Crocker says the parent did the right thing given the suspicious situation, and that any perceived threat — real or otherwise — can’t be taken lightly.

School officials say they will re-emphasize the district’s no-costume policy.

Fans have adopted May 4 as “Star Wars Day” because “May the fourth” is a play on the oft-repeated Star Wars phrase, “May the force be with you.”