Flagstaff School Lockdown: Police Intensify Search for Armed Shooting Suspect Near Bushmaster Park
A massive search operation is underway in Flagstaff, Arizona, as the Flagstaff Police Department scrambles to apprehend an armed suspect who opened fire near Bushmaster Park on Wednesday morning. The incident, which occurred at approximately 11:15 a.m., prompted a swift response from law enforcement, with multiple schools in the area placed on lockdown as a precautionary measure.
According to eyewitness accounts, the suspect, described as a Native American male in his 20s or 30s, wearing all black and possibly sporting tattoos on his arms, approached individuals in the park and asked for a cigarette before threatening to shoot. Witnesses reported hearing gunfire and seeing the suspect brandishing a handgun.
Fortunately, no injuries have been reported, but the situation remains volatile, with the suspect still at large. The Flagstaff Police Department has narrowed its search to areas north and west of the park, urging residents in the vicinity to remain indoors with all doors and windows locked.
The lockdown, which initially affected multiple schools, including Flagstaff and Coconino high schools, Sinagua, MEMS, Puente de Hozho, and Summit, has since been lifted for some schools, while others remain in shelter mode. The police department has deployed a helicopter to patrol the area, and residents are advised to exercise extreme caution, as the suspect is considered armed and dangerous.
The incident has sent shockwaves through the community, with many parents and residents expressing concern for the safety of children in the area. “I was alerted to the sound of shooting at the neighborhood park, which is quite close to my residence,” said a local resident. “And people have reported being fired at. Every single school in my neighborhood, along with the rest of the neighborhood, has been on lockdown. There are a lot of kids in my neighborhood who are out playing and returning home from school on foot.”
The Flagstaff Police Department is urging anyone with information on the suspect’s whereabouts to contact them immediately or dial 9-1-1. The situation remains fluid, and residents are advised to stay vigilant and follow all instructions from law enforcement.
As the search continues, the community remains on high alert, with many hoping for a swift resolution to the situation. The Flagstaff Police Department has pledged to provide regular updates as more information becomes available.
In the meantime, residents are urged to remain indoors and avoid the area around Bushmaster Park, as the search for the armed suspect continues. The safety of the community remains the top priority, and the police department is working tirelessly to ensure that the suspect is apprehended and brought to justice.
The incident serves as a stark reminder of the importance of community vigilance and cooperation with law enforcement. As the situation unfolds, residents are encouraged to stay informed and follow all instructions from the authorities.
The search for the suspect continues, with the Flagstaff Police Department leaving no stone unturned in their efforts to ensure the safety of the community. As the situation develops, residents are urged to remain calm but vigilant, knowing that the police department is working tirelessly to resolve the situation as quickly and safely as possible.
