A man is photographed on the Heritage High School roof Thursday morning. (Photo via Israel Reyes on Facebook)
Questions remain unanswered regarding a lockdown at Heritage High School after a man was seen on the roof and an initial report of a suspicious individual near campus was made Thursday morning.
At about 7:30 a.m., Heritage High School principal Jose Topete sent out a message through the parent portal, asking parents and students to “stay away from the school until further notice” during a precautionary lockdown. Arriving students were kept away from the area until the lockdown was lifted about an hour later.
Students were then allowed on campus, but many reported on social media that their bags were being searched as they entered. That coincided with concerns raised on social media by parents who saw a man on the roof of the school.
In response to the escalating rumors, Menifee 24/7 contacted the Perris Union High School District. Spokesman Alfredo Andrade responded with a message that was repeated on the district social media sites, saying in part:
“Heritage High School was placed on lockdown as a precautionary measure following a report of a suspicious individual near campus. Out of an abundance of caution, the campus was secured while school administration and the Menifee Police Department investigated the report and conducted appropriate safety checks.
“Following a thorough investigation, authorities found no evidence of a threat to campus safety and the lockdown was lifted.”
In light of social media reports about a man on the roof and a suicidal student with a machete, Menifee 24/7 submitted a follow-up request for information from Andrade. In response, he wrote, “The individual observed on the roof of the building is a district staff member conducting routine maintenance.” That message was also sent out on the district’s social media sites.
An inquiry was also made to the Menifee Police Department. Spokesperson Chase Coburn said she had no additional information. There was no response to an additional follow-up inquiry to Andrade and Topete, leaving the following questions unanswered:
— If the man on the roof was a maintenance worker, why did it appear in a photo that he was not wearing a school uniform or performing any kind of maintenance?
— Is there any truth to the rumor of a student with a weapon on or near campus?
— Could these be two separate incidents? If the “suspicious person” was a school maintenance worker, why were police called? And why were students’ backpacks searched upon entry? Was there a threat after the lockdown was lifted?
Menifee 24/7 will continue to pursue information on this incident.
