At approximately 2:51 p.m. on Wednesday May 1st, 2019 Junction City Police Department was dispatched to a call of a dispute in the 1700 block of Pear Loop. Witnesses reported yelling could be heard in the area which was then followed by what was believed to a gunshot. In the recent months the Junction City Police Department has responded to multiple calls to various residences in this area, and specifically to an incident at the exact address of this call involving a disturbance where a firearm was used. Back-up assistance was requested from the Lane County Sheriff’s Office. Due to the close proximity of schools in relation to the location of this incident, combined with the fact schools were within minutes of dismissal, at 3:04 p.m. the Junction City schools were placed in lockdown state, were no one was allowed in or out until the police department could ensure the scene was safe and that no persons posing a threat were present. Once the scene was secure, responding officers interviewed multiple witnesses who reported heard the possible gunshot, but were unable to pinpoint the exact location where the sound was heard. Officers determined there was no credible threat to the community the school lockdown was lifted at 3:21 p.m. The Junction City Police Department wants to extend appreciation and accolades to the observant and aware citizens who recognized a potentially dangerous situation and made the decision to call 911.
