Shoreline schools closed after report of armed man nearby



SHORELINE, Washington -- All Shoreline schools were closed following a lockdown Wednesday after a man with a gun was reported before school on campus, officials said.



King County Sheriff’s deputies are searching the area around Meridian Park Elementary School in Shoreline after receiving reports of an armed man on the grounds.

According to sheriff's deputies, a man carrying a gun was on school property before school started. The man was contacted by a school employee, and the man allegedly made a threat and fled on foot.

Police were at all schools in the district. Meridian Park has been cleared, deputies said, and the lockdown was lifted at 11 a.m. A police presence would remain at school until all children were released.



Only a vague description of a man carrying a gun was available from witnesses, deputies said. He was described as wearing a dark hoodie, camo pants and holding a firearm.

For a full list of Shoreline's 14 schools, click here.

King's Private Christian School in Shoreline is not closed, but is in lockdown, officials said. Shoreline Community College was not affected by the lockdown and closure.

Students that were en route to school can be picked up at the Spartan Recreation Center near the intersection of N 185th Street and 1st Avenue NE.

Deputies are using dogs to help in the search for the possible armed suspect.

Traffic in the area was backed up, officials said.