FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE  
DATE: September 27, 2024 
CONTACT: Salem Police Communications Office | spdmedia@cityofsalem.net 

                                                    West Salem Schools Placed on Lockdown 

Salem, Ore. — Earlier this afternoon the school district and police received unconfirmed reports that a student with a firearm may be near but outside of West Salem High School. 

Salem Keizer School District engaged their safety and security systems and worked with Salem Police responding personnel. West Salem High School, and other area schools went into a lockdown.  

As additional reports came in that the student was on foot in the neighboring area, several Salem Police officers, and Polk County Deputies responded to look for the student. In addition to officers searching the area on foot, canine officers and drones were deployed.  

The student was eventually located without incident and the investigation is ongoing. 

We would like to thank the staff at the Salem Keizer School District and Polk County Sheriffs office for their assistance, quick actions, and communication, which helped keep our students and community safe. 

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