Gun found in vehicle after lockdowns at 2 Central Coast high schools

Pioneer Valley High School was locked down for a time Wednesday morning after a report of a firearm on campus, and a different lockdown occurred across town at Santa Maria High School.

School administrators implemented the Pioneer Valley lockdown just before 11 a.m. and notified the Santa Maria Police Department after receiving a report of a gun in a vacant vehicle in a parking lot on campus, according to Kenny Klein, Santa Maria Joint Union High School District spokesman.

Officers responded to the campus, at 675 Panther Drive at the northeast corner of the city.

“Ultimately, a firearm was located in a vehicle on campus, and it was secured. The lockdown has been lifted, and this is still an active investigation,” police Lt. Paul Van Meel said.

At least one person reportedly was in custody, according to district representatives.

Klein said Pioneer Valley administrators lifted the lockdown at 11:26 a.m.

“All students and staff are safe. Normal school activities have resumed,” he added.

A short time later, a lockdown occurred at Santa Maria High School, at 901 South Broadway, but the reason wasn’t immediately clear.

Anyone with information is requested to contact the Santa Maria Police Department at 805-928-3781, ext. 2278.

Noozhawk North County editor Janene Scully can be reached at jscully@noozhawk.com.

This story was originally published May 24, 2023 at 1:01 PM with the headline "Gun found in vehicle after lockdowns at 2 Central Coast high schools."