Teenager with airsoft gun sparks school lockdowns in Kalispell

A teenager armed with an airsoft handgun sent two Kalispell public schools into lockdown Friday morning, authorities said.

Kalispell Police officers detained several minors after responding to reports of a juvenile pointing a gun at vehicles near Flathead High School and Elrod Elementary School about 7:45 a.m., Friday, Sept. 6, according to Chief Jordan Venezio. While officers searched for suspects, district officials placed both buildings on lockdown.  

Officers secured a replica airsoft pistol after interviewing the group of detained minors, Venezio said. One member of the group, a 15-year-old, was taken to the Police Department for questioning. Officials later released the minor to a guardian, Venezio said.