LAPD investigation prompted campus lockdowns in Tujunga, suspect was detained

Multiple schools in the Sunland-Tujunga area were locked down for much of the day on Tuesday, Aug. 29, due to reports of a man on a scooter wearing tactical gear and carrying a black backpack, but a suspect was detained by mid-afternoon and the lockdowns lifted.

The reports about the suspect came in around 9:30 a.m., but no weapon was seen and no injuries were reported, according to the Los Angeles Police Department.

“Mount Lukens Continuation High, Verdugo Hills High School, Mount Gleason Middle School, Apperson Elementary School, Plainview Elementary School, Pinewood Elementary School and Pinewood Early Education Center are currently impacted by police activity in the surrounding neighborhood,” Lt. Nina Buranasombati of the Los Angeles School Police Department said in a statement early Tuesday afternoon.

“The Los Angeles Police Department is currently the lead agency on this matter. All students and staff are currently safe,” Buranasombati said. “Impacted families have been notified by their respective schools via their notification system, which includes phone and email alerts.”

Los Angeles Unified School District officials issued a statement insisting that all students were safe and schools were continuing to operate, even under lockdown conditions.

The schools later switched to a “shelter in place” status, with some implementing modified dismissal schedules. School police remained on the affected campuses throughout the day.

Late Tuesday afternoon, a person was seen being detained by police in the area.

Around 4:10 p.m., Buranasombati said the investigation had concluded and the lockdowns were lifted, adding that “the suspect has been detained.”

According to Buranasombati, school officials were offering resources “for students who may need additional mental health support because of this incident.”