News Release from Sheriff David Hathaway
On the morning of September 2, 2022, the Santa Cruz County Sheriff’s Office received information that a subject driving a silver or grey Chevrolet, possibly Malibu, was seen in possession of an assault style rifle in the area of Rio Rico High School. The vehicle reportedly was also displaying a large American flag. As a precaution, the Rio Rico schools were locked down as the report was investigated by the Santa Cruz County Sheriff’s Office. As of 9:30a.m., there has been no confirmation of any threat to the schools or the community. The students of Rio Rico High School have been released from lockdown and have been returned to their homes. The school day has been ended at Rio Rico High School. Other schools in the area remain open, but parents have been given the option of picking up their children if they so desire. Law enforcement remains on lookout for the vehicle in question.
By 8:30a.m., three separate sightings of the vehicle were reported to the Sheriff’s office as having been seen in Rio Rico, Nogales and again on Hwy 82.
Out of an abundance of caution, morning recesses at Elgin School were held in the courtyard and gym. At no time was a lockdown or shelter in place order called at Elgin School. As of 10a.m., the Border Patrol informed Elgin School that no further presence was needed.
In a note sent out to Elgin School families, Superintendent/Principal Mary Faley shared her appreciation for the proactive response from the SCC Sheriff’s Dept., as well as the quick response from the Border Patrol.
Patagonia Public Schools were also notified by the SCC Sheriff’s office and a Sheriff was sent to the campus for additional support. PPS has canceled the 5th-grade field trip for extra safety purposes.