Darth Vader Costume Shuts Down School

Students in Ashwaubenon, Wis., were evacuated Thursday when an unlikely figure was spotted entering through the high school’s back door. According to a statement by Ashwaubenon Public Safety, a concerned parent called 911 to report suspicious activity after seeing someone dressed in a mask and holding a bag walk through a back entrance. Time reports that the school proceeded to evacuate under police supervision, eventually discovering that the suspect was a student dressed in Darth Vader regalia celebrating "Star Wars Day," a fan holiday stemming from the phrase, "May the 4th be with you."

Though the incident turned out not to be serious, local authorities say the parent did the right thing. “That outfit actually looked like he might be wearing a bulletproof vest or a flak jacket, and that coupled with wearing that mask and walking into the back door of the school made a person very concerned,” says an officer on the scene in a video posted by WLUK-TV. Students have returned to classes and activities, and though no harm was intended, the school district says the costumed pupil "will be held accountable" at school for the ruckus caused. According to WEAU 13 News, the district has a no-costume policy, which it will reiterate to students following the incident. (More Star Wars stories.)