Police investigation leads to ‘soft lockdown’ for Oregon schools

OREGON – A domestic disturbance near the Oregon school campus resulted in a brief “soft” lockdown of the district’s three schools Thursday afternoon.

At approximately 1:10 p.m., Oregon police officers responded to a residence in the 800 block of Madison Street, east of the school campus, for a reported domestic disturbance in which a weapon was allegedly mentioned, Oregon Police Chief Matt Kalnins said.

“During the incident, a male subject reportedly left the residence and was possibly walking in the area. As a precautionary measure, the Oregon School District was notified and placed on a soft lockdown while officers worked to locate the individual,” he said.

The man was later found at a location north of the Oregon city limits, Kalnins said.

“Following a thorough investigation, officers determined that there was no weapon and that no charges would be filed against either party involved. It was also confirmed that at no time were any citizens, students, or staff of the Oregon School District in immediate danger,” Kalnins said.

The school district posted a message on social media shortly after police were called to the area.

“We have been instructed by local law enforcement to place the campus under soft lockdown due to a police issue near campus. At this time, there is zero reason to believe any students or staff are in danger and this is a move taken out of extreme precaution. We will notify parents when the lockdown has been lifted,” the message said.

The district posted an update following the investigation: “The soft lockdown was lifted shortly before 1:40 p.m. at the direction of local law enforcement. We thank everyone for their concern and cooperation,” the post said.

Kalnins thanked other police agencies that responded.

“The Oregon Police Department extends its gratitude to the Ogle County Sheriff’s Department and the Mt. Morris Police Department for their quick response and assistance in this matter,” Kalnins added.

A “soft lockdown” is a precautionary measure where movement within the building is restricted, but not completely halted. A “hard lockdown” occurs when everyone in the school must remain still and out of sight.