Alex Chavira : “Second Sterling School Lockdown – Shaw Local Updates”

STERLING — Sterling Public Schools found themselves enacting their crisis plan for the second time in a week, as districtwide lockdowns were put into effect following reports of suspicious activity near school premises.

On Tuesday, May 28, at 1:34 p.m., Sterling Public Schools initiated lockdown procedures across all buildings in response to a report of a suspicious individual, potentially armed, spotted on a bicycle in close proximity to a school. Students and staff remained safely in their classrooms within the school buildings as a precautionary measure.

The Sterling Police Department was promptly informed by school authorities about the suspect, who was reportedly seen near Challand Middle School at 1700 Sixth Ave., Sterling, riding a bike with what appeared to be a firearm. Law enforcement officers swiftly responded to the scene and began a search for the individual.

Through video surveillance footage, Sterling police were able to identify the male suspect, who was eventually located several blocks away from the school premises. Upon investigation, it was determined that the individual was in possession of a BB gun at the time of the incident near Challand Middle School. Fortunately, there was no direct interaction with any students or attempts to approach the school buildings, as stated in the police report.

The suspect was charged with disorderly conduct by the police and subsequently released with a court date pending. The BB gun was confiscated by Sterling law enforcement as evidence.

Following assurance from the Sterling Police Department at 2:01 p.m., Sterling Public Schools received confirmation that it was safe to lift the lockdown, allowing students and staff to resume their regular activities for the remainder of the day.

Notably, this was the second instance within a week where Sterling Public Schools had to implement lockdown measures. On May 21, the school district was placed on limited-access lockdown following separate incidents that prompted police intervention.

One incident involved the receipt of potential threat information by the school district from a concerned parent, leading to a coordinated response by Sterling officers and detectives at Sterling High School. Simultaneously, an unrelated traffic stop near the school premises resulted in the arrest of a felon in possession of firearms, prompting the enforcement of the crisis plan by school authorities.

Subsequent investigations led to criminal charges against the individuals involved, with court proceedings scheduled for a later date. The safety and security of students and staff remained a top priority throughout both incidents, as Sterling Public Schools cooperated closely with law enforcement to ensure a swift and effective response.