APD was unable to located the male subject who was seen with a rifle

ATASCADERO — Atascadero Schools were placed on lockdown today, Aug. 31 at 1:18 p.m., after two students from North County Christian reported seeing a male subject with a rifle in the area behind the school in the creek.

Officers responded to the area and requested assistance from the California Highway Patrol Air Unit, California Highway Patrol, San Luis Obispo County Sheriff’s Office, Paso Robles Police Department, and San Luis Obispo County Probation Department. Members of the Atascadero Police Department conducted a sweep of the creek to locate the subject. The CHP air unit, along with two drones, were used to assist in this effort. 

Unfortunately, they were unable to locate anyone in the creek area.

Local area schools were immediately locked down, including North County Christian, Atascadero Middle School, and Atascadero High School. Residents were asked to avoid the area due to road closures in an effort to find the subject. In addition, the Atascadero Farmers Market was canceled. By 2:43 p.m., all schools were released from lockdown.

After a complete search of the area concluded, all roads and surrounding areas reopened by 3:06 p.m.

There will be continued patrol in the area at this time.

If anyone has any information about the subject, they are encouraged to contact the Atascadero Police Department at (805) 461-5051.