*UPDATE 05/10/2023*

Yesterday afternoon deputies from the Lane County Sheriff’s Office received information that some Mapleton Elementary students observed a person wearing dark clothing and possibly armed with a rifle near the school track.  The person reportedly departed on foot into a nearby tree line and something that sounded similar to several gunshots was heard from the general direction.  The Mapleton schools were placed on lockdown and multiple law enforcement agencies including the Lane County Sheriff’s Office, Oregon State Police, Florence Police Department, and Douglas County Sheriff’s Office responded.

A substantial search of the area failed to locate any armed persons or other suspicious conditions.  Investigators contacted an area resident who had been conducting residential repairs with a loud nail gun at approximately the same time that the possible gun shots were heard.

It remains unclear if the person spotted by the track was armed with a firearm or carrying another item at the time that they were observed by students.

Investigators believe there to be no threat to the public.  Classes at the Mapleton School District have resumed normal operations as of today.  As a precaution the Lane County Sheriff’s Office and Oregon State Police provided an extra presence in the area today. 

UPDATE - 4:40pm

Students from the Mapleton MS-HS and Elementary School are being bussed to the old Banner Bank parking lot located at 10756 Hwy. 126 in Mapleton.  Parents are asked to respond to this location to be reunited with children. Even children that would normally walk home will be transported to the Banner Bank location to be reunited with parents. 

The Mapleton MS-HS and Elementary schools currently remain on lockdown as local law enforcement officers search the area in reports of an armed subject. 

All students at both schools are accounted for and safe.  Authorities are asking parents not to respond to the schools as we are currently working on a reunification plan.  Again, authorities are on scene and there is believed to be no danger to any students.

Shortly prior to 2:30pm students reported seeing a man wearing black and armed with a rifle near the school track.  The man possibly went into a tree line and a loud sound, possibly a gunshot was heard shortly thereafter. 

The Lane County Sheriff’s Office and Mapleton School District are working closely to provide information as it becomes available.