Lockdown at Santa Paula High: Report of gunman on campus found to be false
By Peggy Kelly
Santa Paula Police Department
Published: December 14, 2012
Santa Paula Police responded Tuesday to an already locked down campus after a possible brandishing of a gun was reported at Santa Paula High School.
According to SPPD Sgt. Cody Madison, the incident was reported a few minutes after noon and officers responded to the campus, located at 404 N. 6th St., which school administrators had already ordered be locked down. “Upon arrival officers and detectives interviewed several direct and indirect witnesses,” but, Madison noted, “initial interviews determined that no weapon was brandished or seen.”
Madison stated that after an extensive investigation, “It was found the witnesses’ versions of the events did not corroborate with each other,” and information obtained by officers and detectives could not establish a crime had been committed. Madison noted, “Additionally, there was no suspect located or able to be identified” by anyone at the scene, so the matter was turned over to Santa Paula High School officials.
Some parents were notified by their children via texting that the campus was locked down. “I got a text and thought, my goodness!” one mother of a student who asked not be identified said. “But my son’s text said it was just a rumor... so I guess they feel they have to do what they have to do to make sure everyone is safe.”
The investigation into the incident is ongoing, and anyone with additional information is asked to contact SPPD Detective Mike Hoppin, 525-4474 x 286.
The incident at Santa Paula High School was the second time in less than a week that a Ventura County high school campus was locked down. Oxnard Police Friday investigated reports of a gunman on the campus of Hueneme High School, but determined that no weapon had been brandished.
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