*UPDATE 6:15PM, May 9, 2023*: The lockdown at the Mapleton schools has been lifted and there is believed to be no ongoing threat to the public. The Lane County Sheriff’s Office would like to thank the public and all partnering agencies for their very prompt and professional response to this incident. The Sheriff’s office is continuing to investigate the original report of an armed subject near the schools. UPDATE 4:35pm: Students from the Mapleton MS-HS and Elementary School are being bussed to the old Banner Bank parking lot located at 10756 Hwy. 126 in Mapleton. Parents are asked to respond to this location to be reunited with children. Even children that would normally walk home will be transported to the Banner Bank location to be reunited with parents. The Mapleton MS-HS and Elementary schools currently remain on lockdown as local law enforcement officers search the area in reports of an armed subject. All students at both schools are accounted for and safe. Authorities are asking parents not to respond to the schools as we are currently working on a reunification plan. Again, authorities are on scene and there is believed to be no danger to any students. Shortly prior to 2:30pm students reported seeing a man wearing black and armed with a rifle near the school track. The man possibly went into a tree line and a loud sound, possibly a gunshot was heard shortly thereafter. The Lane County Sheriff’s Office and Mapleton School District are working closely to provide information as it becomes available.
