Mapleton schools on lockdown following reports of armed individual

Jul 22, 2023

UPDATE: The Lane County Sheriff's Office said an investigation determined the gunshot sounds reported were likely from a nearby resident who had been making repairs using a loud nail gun. It is unclear whether the person seen near the track was carrying a firearm or another item when they were seen by a student and reported.

Mapleton Middle/High School and elementary school are on lockdown Tuesday while law enforcement officers searched the area following reports of an armed individual.

All students at both schools were accounted for and safe, according to the Lane County Sheriff's Office.

Parents are asked not to go to the schools.

Students are being taken to the old Banner Bank and Food Share at 10718 OR-126 for pickup and to sort out transportation, according to the district.

All parents are asked to go to Banner Bank to be reunited with their children, including children who normally walk home.

Shortly before 2:30 p.m., students reported seeing a man wearing black and armed with a rifle near the school track. The man possibly went into the trees and a possible gunshot was heard, according to reports to the Sheriff's Office.

"We have a large police response to the campus and are grateful for their quick response to assess the situation both on the ground and in the air," stated Mapleton School District on its website.