MARIPOSA, Calif. (KSEE/KGPE) – A lockdown was placed on Mariposa Elementary School and Mariposa County High School on Thursday morning as a precautionary measure because of a suspicious person in the area, deputies say.
According to a social media post from the Mariposa County Sheriff’s Office, the Mariposa County Deputy assigned as the School Resource Officer at the high school received a report of a suspicious person wearing a black hoodie, dark-colored flannel, a black mask, and a potential weapon hidden under their clothes.
The Mariposa County Sheriff’s Office said that the lockdown was put in place as a precautionary measure while deputies were searching the area.
Officials say that deputies were sent to Mariposa County High School, but also to Mariposa Elementary School for their proximity. Deputies stated that once arrived, they located the student using video surveillance at the school.
The Mariposa County Sheriff’s Office assured that the student had no weapons.
Deputies said that there was no threat to any students or staff, which allowed the school to go back to their normal activities.
“I want to applaud the students at the high school who noticed the out-of-place behavior (hoodies and flannels in the heat) and the school officials who had clear and concise communication with our office and Deputies on the scene,” said Sheriff Jeremy Briese. “Our office has trained extensively for situations just like this, while I am happy this turned out to be nothing more than a suspicious-looking student, I want to ensure parents, school staff, and the community that the Mariposa County Sheriff’s Office will respond to all threats to our schools swiftly and in force, which is absolutely vital when it comes to saving lives.”
Officials say that the lockdown was lifted and students were able to return to their normal activities.