Police in Bend say there is a large presence at Silver Rail Elementary School and have asked the public to avoid the area. Families have been directed to a nearby church.
Silver Rail Elementary School in Bend, Oregon, was placed on lockdown on Thursday 15 October after a report of an active shooter. Bend Police Department officers are at the school investigating. In a statement, the department said: “The Bend Police Department is currently at Silver Rail Elementary School after a report of an active shooter. There is a large police presence in the area. Please avoid the area.” Police have not confirmed whether shots were fired or whether anyone has been hurt.
What police have confirmed
Police have confirmed only that they received a report of an active shooter and that a large number of officers are at the scene. The school is at 61530 Southeast Stone Creek Lane, in the south-east of the city.
Concerned families have been directed to Journey Church, at 61303 South Highway 97, near a Goodwill store and a Dairy Queen. This is the official location where parents and guardians have been told to go.
Local reporting indicates that Bend Police planned a media briefing at about 2.15pm Pacific Time (10.15pm UK time). Journalists were told to gather near American Lane and Kira Drive. The briefing could clarify whether the report was substantiated and whether students and staff are safe.
What is not known
Police have not said whether shots were fired inside the school, or whether any students, staff or responding officers have been injured. They have not said whether a suspect has been identified or detained, whether the lockdown has ended, or whether all pupils have been reunited with their families.
Residents have reported seeing police cars, fire engines and ambulances heading towards south-east Bend. Online accounts suggest crews from neighbouring communities, including Redmond, Sunriver and La Pine, were also called in. The number of vehicles and agencies involved has not been confirmed.
Claims about casualties and a suspect being stopped are circulating on social media. Police have not confirmed any of them, and they should be treated as unverified.
