On the morning of September 29, Richmond Elementary School was placed on lockdown due to significant police activity in the vicinity. Aaron Harada, a spokesperson for Salem-Keizer Public Schools, reported that the lockdown commenced at 9:15 a.m. in response to “significant law enforcement activity” occurring near the school. The lockdown was lifted around 10:30 a.m., with Harada confirming that all students and staff remained safe inside the building throughout the incident.
Initially classified as a level 1 lockdown, the situation was escalated to a level 2 status. This meant that teaching activities were paused, and students and staff were instructed to shelter in place. During this period, all doors were closed and locked, windows covered, lights turned off, and individuals moved to secure areas within their classrooms.
Salem Police spokesperson Jonathan Hardy explained that officers responded to a report from a concerned citizen who observed an individual at a nearby residence carrying long guns. As a precautionary measure, the school was locked down while law enforcement worked to address the situation.
Police presence remained strong at the scene until shortly after 11 a.m., with officers detaining an individual on 24th Street SE, located just behind the school. During this time, one woman was transported by ambulance for unknown reasons. Hardy later confirmed that three individuals were arrested on warrants and taken to the Marion County Jail. Additionally, one woman received Narcan, a medication used to reverse the effects of opioid overdoses, before being taken to a hospital for further treatment.
The swift response by law enforcement and the school’s adherence to safety protocols ensured the well-being of the students and staff during a tense situation. Parents and guardians were kept informed throughout the incident, highlighting the importance of communication and preparedness in ensuring safety within educational environments.
