Bad 'Fresh Prince' rap triggers Pa. lockdown

Receptionist misheard student's rendition of song

Updated: Monday, 04 Mar 2013, 9:53 AM EST
Published : Monday, 04 Mar 2013, 7:51 AM EST

AMBRIDGE, Pa. (AP) — Now this is a story all about how a high school student's life got turned upside down. But it was all just a bad rap.

The teen's voicemail greeting triggered a lockdown at his Pennsylvania school after a receptionist misheard his rendition of "The Fresh Prince of Bel-Air" theme song.

While trying to confirm an appointment with 19-year-old Travis Clawson the receptionist thought the message said "shooting people outside of the school." The line is actually "shooting some b-ball," a reference to basketball.

The receptionist called 911 and Economy police arrested Clawson a short time later at Ambridge Area High School, but released him once he explained the message.

Acting police Chief James Mann says police acted "appropriately" out of concern for students' welfare.

Clawson's family has contacted an attorney.

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