West Ranch High School was placed on a precautionary lockdown Wednesday afternoon.

At 2 p.m. Wednesday, officials received reports of a suspicious vehicle in the parking lot at West Ranch High School, according to William. S. Hart Union High School District officials.

Parents wait anxiously in front of the West Ranch High School gate. Photo by Linsey Towles

“West Ranch High School has been placed on a precautionary lockdown as school site administration works with law enforcement to investigate a report of an issue with a parked car in the parking lot,” said Superintendent Mike Kuhlman. “This precautionary measure is intended to keep everyone safe.  There does not appear to be a danger to students or staff.”

Deputies from the Santa Clarita Valley Sheriff’s Station were called to West Ranch by school administrators after they detained a student who was believed to have a gun case in his vehicle, and possibly a firearm, according to Deputy Natalie Arriaga, spokesperson for the SCV Sheriff’s Station.

“Deputies arrived and searched the vehicle and did not locate a firearm,” Arriaga said.

The lockdown was lifted by 2:40 p.m., and no threat is anticipated to students or staff.

Parents could be seen on the phone trying to reach their children. Photo by Linsey Towles

Ed. Note: This is a breaking news story; more information will be added as it becomes available.

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