Lockdowns at college, school and hospital in South Lake Tahoe

There were three incidents in South Lake Tahoe on Wednesday that resulted in lockdowns at Lake Tahoe Community College, South Tahoe Middle School (STMS) and Barton Memorial Hospital.

At noon, the South Lake Tahoe Police Department (SLTPD) received a call concerning a man carrying a rifle, walking away from the area near Barton Hospital towards the meadow behind Grocery Outlet. They did not locate anyone at that time, but this incident relates to the third one received.

Just after 2:30 p.m., SLTPD dispatch received a call about two shots fired in the meadow behind the Rite Aid shopping area at the corner of Al Tahoe and Lake Tahoe Blvds. When police arrived in the area where shots were heard they spoke with others who also heard the sound of gunshots. As a precaution, officials at STMS and the college initiated lockdown procedures to protect students and staff.

A thorough search of the area was completed by multiple officers and no person with a firearm was located. A bull whip was found nearby which may have produced sounds similar to gunshots.

Another call of a man seen carrying a gun was received at about 4:30 p.m. It was reported that a man was walking with a rifle in the area of Winnemucca Street and the nearby meadow, very close to the area from the first incident of the day. As a precaution, Barton Hospital went on lockdown after consulting with the Sergeant handling the event. SLTPD found a man carrying an airsoft gun which fires small plastic pellets and is typically used for war game type activities.

A rifle and airsoft gun are very similar in appearance. BB guns, airsoft guns and guns with ammunition are not allowed to be discharged in the city limits.

SLTPD, Barton Hospital, LTCC and STMS all had the safety of students and the public in mind when they went on lockdown. SLTPD thanked them all for their caring approach to the situation.