One person is in custody after a report of a suspect with a firearm led to a lockdown at a Prince George’s County, Maryland, high school.
It happened near Bowie High School Wednesday around 1 p.m. A person was seen with what appeared to be a long barrel rifle, police said. The suspect was reported to have possibly fled in a dark-colored vehicle.
Police also got another report that the suspect was possibly hiding in the school, leading to a shelter-in-place order for the high school and the Bowie Annex. Officers did not find the person inside the school.
Police told people to avoid the area with heavy police presence; some roads were closed as they searched for the suspect.
Police caught a suspect, identified as a juvenile, in a neighborhood near the school several hours later, and the lockdown was lifted after 3:30 p.m. The person was not armed when he was arrested, but police said a weapon was recovered — an airsoft pistol that looks like a long gun.
Police have apprehended a person they believe was involved in the suspected gun incident near Bowie High School. The lockdown has been lifted. Dismissal will begin soon.
— Bowie Maryland (@CityofBowie) June 7, 2023
City of Bowie Police investigators are coordinating with the Prince George’s County State’s Attorney’s Office, and charges are forthcoming, a police news release said.
Bowie High School said in a letter to parents that nobody was hurt. There will be a crisis team and added security on Thursday to “support the needs of any students and staff,” as well as counselors for “anyone who needs support,” Principal Joe Kautzer said.
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