Replica firearms lead to school scare in El Dorado County

Marina Middle School in El Dorado Hills went into a "Shelter in Place" status on April 25 after two adolescent boys were seen by an area resident pointing what she believed to be a black handgun at each other.

At 8:48 a.m., the resident advised the El Dorado Sheriff's Office (EDSO) the boys were seen on foot headed in an unknown direction. Due to the close proximity to the school, deputies briefed the district superintendent and vice principal.

As a precautionary measure the "Shelter in Place" was initiate as deputies continued to check surrounding neighborhoods.

At approximately 9:50 a.m., deputies located the involved subjects and observed pointing the handgun at each other. Deputies determined the subjects were performing martial arts gun safety and takeaway techniques with full size replica airsoft guns. The subjects were counseled for using poor judgement conducting such realistic training in the public’s view with no regard for public awareness.

The school was given the all clear message at 9:56 a.m.