El Toro High School On Lockdown Friday: Cops

LAKE FOREST, CA — El Toro High School was placed on lockdown midday, Friday, following a possible threat on campus, Principal Terri Gusiff told families. Just after 12 p.m. the campus was locked down when the school received information of a possible on-campus threat.

Loud sounds heard off campus caused the alarm.

"The report originated from students who heard the sounds while sitting in class," Gusiff wrote. Students reported the sounds to a teacher and the teacher told administrators.

"In collaboration with the school resource officer, Deputy Austin Jones, we decided to go into an immediate lockdown until we were able to confirm that there was not threat to our campus," she said.

The lock-down lasted less than five minutes and was lifted as soon as soon as it was determined there was no threat to our campus, According to Gusiff.

Soon after it began, the Orange County Sheriff's Department officers on scene advised the campus officials that there was no threat, and the lockdown was lifted.

Gusiff reassured families that students and staff did exactly what was expected to ensure the safety of all.

"We are investigating any and all rumors and tips pertaining to any alleged threats, and at this time there are no credible threats to our campus," she said.

Mark Perez, the Director of Communications and Administrative services for Saddleback Unified School District, spoke with Patch regarding the events of the day.

"El Toro High School followed protocol with the lockdown, and though we are all on heightened alert, it was the possible outcome," Perez said.

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