Three South Washington County schools were placed in lockdown Wednesday afternoon after someone spotted a “suspicious, shirtless” man walking near Park High School with what appeared to be a hatchet.
The man also reportedly had a knife on his belt, according to the Cottage Grove Police Department.
The report was called in at 2:42 p.m. “Considering the timing of the day, area schools were advised to take measures to secure the buildings and students,” according to the police department.
All on-duty officers responded to search the area and help with school dismissals; students were dismissed with police assistance by 3:30 p.m., police said.
No crime was reported, police said, but officers were canvassing the area in search of the man. Anyone with information about the man is asked to call 911.