Man receiving psychological evaluation wielding a sawed-off shotgun near school

CHULA VISTA (CNS) – A man suspected of wielding a sawed-off shotgun near Otay Elementary School was in the custody of a medical facility Thursday, receiving a psychological evaluation, police said.

Several reports of a gunman near Albany Avenue campus were received around 12:40 p.m. Wednesday, according to Chula Vista police Captain Lon Turner.

“For the safety of the students and staff at the school, the campus went into lockdown” while officers searched for the gunman, who was described as being in his 50s or 60s, Turner said in a statement.

Students were released to their parents on the usual schedule. About the same time, officers took a suspect into custody at a home on Connelly Circle, just north of the school, Turner said.

“Although he is facing prosecution on multiple charges, including weapons violations, he was released to the custody of a medical facility for further psychological evaluation,” Turner said, adding that the weapon he was carrying was a replica firearm that had been altered.

The man’s name was not immediately released. Police also did not immediately disclose a possible motive.