A large police response unfolded Friday afternoon after Palmdale High School was suddenly placed on lockdown due to reports of two armed individuals seen running across the school campus. The situation prompted immediate concern for student and staff safety and led to a rapid, coordinated response by law enforcement.
Lockdown Initiated as Deputies Respond to Possible Armed Threat
According to the Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department, deputies rushed to the school after campus security notified authorities of two possible “417 suspects” — a code used to indicate individuals believed to be carrying a gun. The alarming sighting triggered a lockdown as authorities secured the perimeter and called for additional units to assist in sweeping the grounds.
Deputies moved quickly through the campus, checking courtyards, classrooms, athletic areas, and outdoor spaces in an effort to locate the individuals reportedly seen running through the area.
Two Suspects Detained on Campus
Officials at the scene confirmed that a sergeant and another responding deputy were able to locate and detain two individuals near the center of campus, close to the basketball courts. Authorities described the two as uncooperative during the early stages of questioning. Additional units were requested to respond “Code 3,” meaning with lights and sirens, to support officers on site during the detainment process.
A backpack believed to belong to the detained suspects was recovered and taken by investigators. Officials have not stated whether the backpack contained a weapon, and no firearm has yet been confirmed located.
Situation Declared Under Control
Shortly after both suspects were detained and the area secured, deputies declared the situation “Code 4,” indicating there was no longer an active threat to the school. There were no reported injuries during the incident, and students were kept safely inside classrooms throughout the lockdown.
The identities of the individuals detained have not been released, and it remains unclear at this time whether either suspect is a student at Palmdale High School.
Although the lockdown has been lifted, deputies remain on campus as part of an active and ongoing investigation. The Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department is expected to share additional details as they become available.
This incident serves as another reminder of how quickly potential threats to schools can unfold — and how critical fast communication and swift response are to keeping campuses secure.