The Associated Press
UPPER MARLBORO, Maryland- A Maryland elementary school was locked down for several hours Monday after reports that an armed man tried to enter the building before fleeing into the nearby woods.
Police searched the area around Arrowhead Elementary School for the man who was believed to be carrying a rifle or other form of long gun, according to police spokesman Lt. Terrance Sheppard.
An officer on routine morning patrol saw the man, wearing a black jacket and black mask, walking near the school with what appeared to be a gun, Sheppard said. The man fled when confronted by the officer, and tried to enter the school but the door was locked. He then ran into the woods.
Police searched the area with tactical teams. No shots were fired and no one was arrested before police scaled back the search Monday afternoon.
Students at the elementary school were taken into a gymnasium with no windows for several hours, said spokeswoman Kelly Alexander.