Armed Suspect Prompts School Lockdown In Temecula

A man with a gun is at large and police are searching for him, authorities are reporting.

The man, described as a white male adult in his mid-20s, is wanted in connection with an incident Monday afternoon in Temecula.

According to Lt. Matthew Aveling, deputies from the Temecula Police Department responded to the scene of a home in the 41200 block of Essex Street on reports of suspicious subjects there. When deputies arrived, all suspects were caught and detained except one, who was allegedly carrying a firearm, Aveling said.

The suspect who got away is about 5'10" tall, clean shaven with short blonde hair and tattoos on his chest, Aveling said. He was wearing a light gray jacket, long black shorts and white tennis shoes.

A search for the man spread into a nearby housing tract near Camino Del Este and La Serena, prompting a lockdown of Rancho Elementary School for precautionary measures, Aveling said.

“An extensive search of the area by Temecula Police Department patrol officers, school resource officers, a K-9 unit and a Sheriff's Aviation helicopter was conducted of the residential neighborhood,” Aveling said. “The search included houses, garages, backyards and vehicles. The search was unsuccessful and the suspect is still outstanding. The school was under lockdown procedures for a little over one hour and resumed normal activities around 3:55 p.m.”

Anyone with further information regarding the known identity of the outstanding suspect is encouraged to contact the Temecula Police Department, Southwest Station at (951) 696-3000. Citizens may also submit an anonymous tip using the Sheriff's CrimeTips online form.