Shots Heard in Vicinity of Schools, but Source Not Found

Cottonwood Canyon Elementary and Canyon Lake Middle School were placed on lock-down status for a portion of the day, after the report of possible gunshots were heard in the area of Lake Elsinore.

Yesterday, at approximately 11:39 a.m., officers were dispatched to the 32000 block of Lost Road, in Lake Elsinore, after loud banging sounds described to have sounded like gunshots were heard. According to the police report, the call was placed by a school official from Cottonwood Canyon Elementary School.

Working in cooperation with officials at both schools, the campuses were placed on a locked-down status as officers searched the surrounding areas for the source of the suspected gunfire. The schools remained on lock-down until the investigation was concluded at 1:10 p.m.

Officers conducted safety sweeps of the individual classrooms and exterior grounds as well. No victims were located and all students were accounted for. Law enforcement officials met with concerned parents at each site to answer questions and updated them regarding the progress of the ongoing investigation.

Since 1995, Penal Code, section 626.9, known as California's Gun-Free School Zone Act, prohibits citizens from possessing or discharging a firearm within a 1,000 feet of public or private school grounds. Penalties for violating this law are severe and include substantial prison time if convicted.

Anyone with additional information regarding this incident, is encourage to contact Deputy Green, assigned to the School Resource Unit, at Lake Elsinore Police Department at 951-245-3300.