Penngrove Elementary in Sonoma County was placed on lockdown this Monday afternoon following reports of police activity near the school.
The Sonoma County Sheriff’s Office quickly responded to the scene, asking residents to avoid the area around Penngrove Elementary School, located at Petaluma Hill Road and Adobe Road, while authorities investigated the incident.
Police Respond to Threat at Penngrove Elementary
Around 11:36 a.m., law enforcement received a report of a potential school threat near Penngrove Elementary. In response, the school immediately activated its “Secure the Campus” protocol, locking all doors while classes continued as usual.
In a message to parents, Principal Carley Harp assured them that “everyone is safe” and that there was a “strong presence from the Sheriff’s Department on campus.”
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Deputies were stationed at all entrances to the school, and roads in the area, including Adobe Road, were shut down.
Though specific details about the nature of the threat were not released, the situation prompted swift action from both the school and local law enforcement to ensure the safety of students and staff.
Students Evacuated, Reunited with Parents
As the situation developed, students were evacuated from Penngrove Elementary and taken to a reunification point at the Rancho Adobe Fire District station on Main Street, south of the school. The Sheriff’s Office issued a Nixle alert, notifying parents where to pick up their children.
Parents gathered anxiously at the fire station, many hugging each other as they waited for their kids to arrive. Despite the tense atmosphere, the evacuation was carried out smoothly, and students were safely reunited with their families.
Investigation Ongoing at Penngrove Elementary
Misti Wood, a spokesperson for the Sonoma County Sheriff’s Office, confirmed that the investigation was still in its early stages, describing it as a “rapidly developing incident.” While no official details have been released about what triggered the lockdown, unverified reports suggested that an adult who was not supposed to be on campus may have been involved. However, these claims have not been substantiated.
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“We don’t want to put out anything speculative or inaccurate,” Wood said, emphasizing that more information would be made available as the investigation continues.
Calm and Preparedness at Penngrove Elementary
Throughout the event, Penngrove Elementary staff worked closely with law enforcement to manage the situation and keep parents informed. Principal Harp’s communication reassured families that students were safe, and law enforcement urged parents not to come to the school, allowing deputies to focus on the investigation.
The swift response from Penngrove Elementary and the Sonoma County Sheriff’s Office highlighted the school’s preparedness in handling emergency situations. The organized evacuation and the use of the Rancho Adobe Fire District station as a reunification point ensured that students were safely returned to their parents in an orderly manner.
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The incident at Penngrove Elementary is still under investigation, and law enforcement is working to determine the exact nature of the potential threat. However, the coordinated efforts between school officials, law enforcement, and the local community ensured the safety of students and staff.
As the situation continues to unfold, the focus remains on maintaining the safety and security of everyone at Penngrove Elementary. More updates are expected as the investigation progresses.
