3 people arrested following lockdown at El Mirage elementary school
Aug 12, 2022, 3:35 PM | Updated: Aug 17, 2022, 8:46 am
PHOENIX — Three people who attempted to enter an El Mirage elementary school’s grounds during a lockdown were arrested Friday, authorities said.
Police responded to Thompson Ranch Elementary School on Friday morning following reports of a suspect who reportedly had a handgun but couldn’t find the man, Jimmy Chavez, a lieutenant with El Mirage Police Department, said during a press conference.
Officers instead came across a suspicious package and the school, located near Grand Avenue and Thompson Ranch Road, was placed on lockdown. The package was quickly determined to be safe, Chavez said.
When the school was still locked down, family members of students became confrontational with law enforcement and threatened to enter, according to Chavez.
“As a parent, I understand that philosophy, however there are procedures that law enforcement and the school are following,” Chavez said.
Vincent Raul Castaneda, 22, faces charges of misconduct involving weapons, obstructing governmental operations and disorderly conduct.
Jonathan Vincent Davis, 22, faces a charge of disorderly conduct.
Darlene Gonzales, 48, was taken to a hospital and charges are pending.
Police later located the man who had triggered the lockdown. He was being evaluated late Friday by mental health professionals and a police statement said charges were pending.
No other information was available.
The Associated Press contributed to this report.
