EUGENE, Ore. — North Eugene High School was placed on lockdown Thursday afternoon after a nearby incident involving a group of juveniles, one of whom was reportedly armed, prompted a precautionary response from local authorities.
According to Eugene School District 4J officials, the school went into lockdown shortly after noon on May 29 at the recommendation of the Eugene Police Department. All students and staff were reported safe and accounted for, with safety protocols followed throughout the duration of the lockdown.
The incident that led to the lockdown began earlier that morning when Eugene Police responded to reports of a dispute among juveniles in the 2000 block of River Road. Officers were dispatched to the scene at approximately 11:39 a.m. after receiving reports that a firearm had been displayed and shots were fired into the air.
Police said they made contact with several of the juveniles involved, but the individual who was allegedly armed had not yet been located as of Thursday afternoon. The investigation into the incident is ongoing.
Interim North Eugene High School Principal Greg Borgerding said in a statement that the school remained secured until its normal dismissal time at 3:30 p.m. Parents and guardians were notified of the situation via official communication from the district earlier in the day.
School officials emphasized that the lockdown was precautionary and not due to a direct threat on campus. The district and law enforcement agencies continue to coordinate efforts to ensure the safety of students and the broader community.
Eugene Police have not yet released further details about the identity of the juvenile believed to be armed or whether any arrests have been made.