Santa Monica High School was placed on lockdown Monday afternoon after police received reports of an armed man near the campus, authorities said.
The Santa Monica Police Department responded to the scene around 3:20 p.m. following reports of a person believed to be carrying a weapon in the area of the high school.
Officers quickly located the individual and determined the weapon was a BB gun, police said. The person was taken into custody without incident.
"Out of an abundance of caution, the school was placed on lockdown while officers investigated," the Santa Monica Police Department said in a social media post.
The lockdown was lifted after the suspect's arrest, and police confirmed there was no ongoing threat to the community or school.
The department thanked community members who reported the incident and emphasized the importance of public vigilance.
"SMPD thanks the community members who reported this incident and reminds everyone: if you see something, say something," the department said. "Community reports play an important role in keeping Santa Monica safe."
No additional details about the suspect or potential charges were immediately available.
The incident comes amid heightened security concerns at schools nationwide, with law enforcement agencies often implementing precautionary lockdown procedures when potential threats are reported.
Santa Monica High School students and staff were able to resume normal activities after the lockdown was lifted Monday afternoon.
Police said no injuries were reported in connection with the incident.
Edited by SMDP Staff