PASO ROBLES, Calif.- Reported gunshots forced a Paso Robles Elementary School to go on lockdown Thursday afternoon. Then minutes later, another nearby elementary school was placed on lockdown when a stranger walked on campus.
Officials from Bauer-Speck Elementary School in Paso Robles took no chances after a teacher said she heard gun shots in the area, putting the school on lockdown just after 11:30am.
"Staff and students go into the closest room if there out and about and if they're in the room they go through the lockdown procedures," explained Supervisor Jason Taylor, Paso Robles School's Security.
Doors remained locked for about a half hour while officials checked the area, but didn't find anything. Staff says it's better to be safe than sorry.
"It's crucial to limit the loss of life. You don't know, for example if there's a law enforcement action in the area, if it's going to come onto the school campus," said Taylor.
The campus had just completed training for a lockdown Wednesday, so they were prepared.
"We have two district wide drills each year also. One that is unannounced, it's a surprise drill, so we practice all the time so the kids and staff know what to do," said Tracey Hokett, Principal of Bauer-Speck Elementary School.
Right around the corner just after 3:00pm, Winifred Pifer Elementary School locked down their campus after officials say a man failed to stop during a traffic violation and headed for the school.
"The individual jumped out of that vehicle and ran onto the school grounds. The only people that really went into lockdown was the staff and the after school program," said Taylor.
The lockdown was lifted within minutes and the district says anytime they get a call they take it seriously.
"We are here for these kids, it's the most important thing," said Taylor.
