(Seguin) — Seguin police say multiple schools were placed on precautionary lockdown this morning (Wednesday) after a report of a man carrying what appeared to be a rifle near downtown.
According to the Seguin Police Department, officers were dispatched around 8:34 a.m. to the 500 block of S. Camp St. after a caller reported seeing a white male wearing a gray shirt and blue jeans with a possible AR-style rifle slung across his back.
Officials say officers responded immediately but were unable to locate anyone matching the description. Out of caution, St. James Catholic School was placed on lockdown.
Police expanded the search with help from surrounding agencies, combing several blocks in the area, including the Seguin Public Library, nearby walking trails, the downtown parking garage, and Walnut Springs Park. Officers also spoke with residents, deployed a drone, and reviewed surveillance footage.
Seguin ISD also placed Ball Early Childhood Center, Jefferson Elementary School, and Saegert Alternative School on “Secure Response” status—meaning students remained inside while exterior doors were locked—as the search continued.
Officials say just after 10 a.m., the search was concluded without locating an individual matching the caller’s description.
Police noted that while openly carrying an AR-style rifle is not against the law in Texas, such reports are taken seriously.
“The Seguin Police Department takes these types of calls extremely seriously. We want to assure our community that our campuses are safe, and we will always take immediate action to protect our students, staff, and residents,” the department stated in a release.