Report Of Armed Person Caused Lockdown At Tamalpais High School

MILL VALLEY, CA — Reports about a person wearing a black mask and possibly carrying a rifle behind Tamalpais High School in Mill Valley caused a lockdown and shelter-in-place order Monday afternoon, police said Tuesday.

Officers responded around 1:50 p.m. to a report about a possible gunman wearing a black mask and black clothes behind the school on Almonte Boulevard. Another person reported seeing a suspect wearing a mask and similar clothing near parked vehicles, according to the Mill Valley Police Department.

Within minutes, Mill Valley police officers and Marin County sheriff's deputies arrived at the campus and checked the area for a gunman and a white car, police said. The campus at 700 Miller Ave. was placed on lockdown. Authorities issued a shelter-in-place order around the school, which included nearby Mill Valley Middle School.

"The Mill Valley Police Department and Marin County Sheriff's Office received timely and significant support and resources from law enforcement agencies throughout the county," police said in a press release.

"Law enforcement personnel coordinated to secure and search the high school and the surrounding area. All students and staff were safe during the time the incident was being investigated."

Witnesses confirmed the suspect and vehicle left the area, police said.

Mill Valley Middle School students were released at their regular 2:30 p.m. time. After an extensive search of the high school and surrounding area, both the lockdown at Tam High School and the shelter-in-place order were lifted, according to police.

"At this time, no criminal activity has been verified and the suspicious subject has not been identified or located," police said. "Rumored reports of an associated armed bank robbery were unfounded and unverified."

The Marin County Sheriff's Office is investigating the case.

"We appreciate the assistance of all the responding agencies that supported us today," Mill Valley Police Chief Alan Piombo said. "We also appreciate the close coordination with school district officials, administration and teachers. We would also like to thank all parents and students for their patience and cooperation through this situation."