Lockdown lifted at 3 Santa Clarita schools; deputies continue search for armed suspect

SANTA CLARITA VALLEY, Calif. (FOX 11) - Three schools in the Santa Clarita Valley were placed on a soft lockdown Tuesday morning as police looked for an armed suspect.

According to the Santa Clarita Valley Sheriff's Department, Arroyo Seco Junior High, Santa Clarita Elementary School and Primetime Preschool at Santa Clarita Park were placed on lockdown around 11:30 a.m.

The lockdowns were lifted by 2 p.m. Tuesday, according to the sheriff's office.

Deputies say that a parole compliance team was at a location near Guadalimar Drive when a suspect with a firearm absconded officers and fled the location.

"Public safety is #1 priority, we have multiple units surrounding area, aero bureau and K9 team deployed," the sheriff's office wrote in a tweet.

The suspect is described as a Hispanic male in his mid-20s, he is between 5'8" and 5'10", medium build, and was last seen wearing dark colored clothing, possibly jeans.

Seco Canyon Road is closed between Pamplico and Decoro due to police activity. Deputies are asking anyone in the area to stay indoors as they investigate.