Crime & Safety
Santa Ana Schools Sent Into Lockdown Amid Police Standoff
A standoff between an armed robbery suspect and Santa Ana police sent two elementary schools into lockdown Tuesday morning.
SANTA ANA, CA — Lowell and Pio Pico elementary schools in Santa Ana were placed on lockdown late Tuesday morning when police officers became involved in a standoff outside the schools.
The standoff ended before 12:10 p.m., and police arrested one man, the Orange County Register reported.
The Santa Ana Police Department told the paper the man was a suspect in several armed robberies. The man had parked his car at Lowell Elementary School after being pursued by police, the paper reported.
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Both Lowell and Pio Pico are neighbors.
Officers surrounded the car with their guns drawn, ordering the driver to get out, the Register reported. Buildings near the standoff were evacuated out of an abundance of caution.
Find out what's happening in Orange Countyfor free with the latest updates from Patch.
The Santa Ana Unified School District announced the lockdown around 10:42 a.m. in posts shared on its website and social media.
"No one is currently allowed in or out of the campuses to help ensure the safety of our students and staff," the district said. "Please know that student and staff safety is always our top priority."
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