At approximately 10:30 a.m. on August 12, 2022, a man attempted to again access into Dysart Unified School District’s Thompson Ranch Elementary School in El Mirage. It was reported the man subject had a handgun. School staff contacted law enforcement and immediately implemented lockdown protocol.
Multiple law enforcement personnel from El Mirage Police Department, Surprise Police Department, Maricopa County Sheriff’s Office, and the Department of Public Safety responded to the school. As officers were arriving, the male subject fled from the scene in an unknown direction.
As the campus was locked down, law enforcement officers began clearing the facility for any threats. During this time, a suspicious package was located. Students and staff were moved to an area away from the package, which was ultimately examined by explosives technicians and rendered safe.
As officers continued to work on clearing the campus, concerned parents began to arrive on at the school. In the wake of the Uvalde school shootings, in which law enforcement stood around as numerous children and two teachers died, several parents attempted to force entry into the buildings past officers. It was at this time that one male parent began an altercation with officers. Two other people joined in the altercation. Officers deployed Tazers, taking the three into custody. One person taken into custody was in possession of a handgun.
Officers ultimately determined the campus to be clear of any hazards.
The subject in question was ultimately located and taken into custody. He is currently being evaluated by mental health professionals, and criminal charges are pending.
Dysart Unified School District Governing Board member Dawn Marie Densmore shared a message from Superintendent Jim Dean.