Man In Tactical Gear Triggers School Lockdowns In Tujunga Area

TUJUNGA, CA — Multiple schools in the Sunland-Tujunga area were locked down for much of the day Tuesday due to reports of a man on a scooter wearing tactical gear and carrying a black backpack, but a suspect was detained by mid-afternoon and the lockdowns lifted.

Mount Lukens Continuation High, Verdugo Hills High School, Mount Gleason Middle School, Apperson Elementary School, Plainview Elementary School, Pinewood Elementary School and Pinewood Early Education Centerwe placed on lockdown.

Police converged on the area around the high school at 10600 block of Plainview Avenuein search of the man, according to Los Angeles Police Department spokesperson Redina Puentes. Residents were advised to avoid the area.

The suspicious person was reported at about 9:30 a.m., but no weapon was seen and no injuries were reported, according to the Los Angeles Police Department.

"Impacted families have been notified by their respective schools via their notification system, which includes phone and email alerts," said Lt. Nina Buranasombati of the Los Angeles School Police Department

During the lockdown Buranasombati released the following statement from the Los Angeles Unified School District:

"Our school is currently undergoing a lockdown due to police activity in our surrounding neighborhood. As a precautionary measure, we are modifying our operations to ensure the safety of our students. Our students are safe and our school remains open for instruction.

"We are also maintaining direct communication with local authorities, who are keeping us updated with the latest developments. They have advised that our school remains safe for instruction. The Los Angeles School Police Department is also on our campus as a precautionary measure."

The schools later switched to a "shelter in place" status, with some implementing modified dismissal schedules. School police remained on the affected campuses throughout the day.

Late Tuesday afternoon, a person was seen being detained by police in the area.

Around 4:10 p.m., Buranasombati said the investigation had concluded and the lockdowns were lifted, adding that "the suspect has been detained."

According to Buranasombati, school officials were offering resources "for students who may need additional mental health support because of this incident."

City News Service contributed to this report.