Palm Desert schools released after lockout, law enforcement activity in area

PALM DESERT, Calif. (KESQ)— Students at Palm Desert High School and Sacred Heart School were placed under a temporary secured lockout Friday afternoon as deputies investigated a reported burglary in progress at a residence on Calle Lantana in Palm Desert.

According to the Riverside County Sheriff’s Office, deputies were dispatched to Calle Lantana at approximately 1:49 p.m. after receiving a report of a burglary in progress. Upon arrival, deputies made announcements and searched the residence but did not find any suspects.

Out of an abundance of caution, deputies placed a school in the area under a temporary lockout while they conducted their search, according to the Sheriff’s Office. The lockout has since been lifted.

A public safety update from the Sheriff’s Office earlier Friday reported a heavy law enforcement presence in the area of Deep Canyon Road and Moss Rose Lane and asked residents to avoid the scene while first responders conducted their investigation.

At approximately 2:43 p.m., the Sheriff’s Office announced that the schools would be released and that there was “no further public safety threat.”

Palm Desert High School Principal Sarit Saig also notified families that all students were safe. In a message to parents, Saig said the school had been placed under a temporary secured lockout because of police activity off campus and out of an abundance of caution. The recommendation came from local law enforcement, according to the message.

“DSUSD received an all clear from law enforcement and the secured lockout has been lifted. All regular activities are resuming and classes are in session,” Saig told families.

The Sheriff’s Office said the investigation remains ongoing and that no further details are currently available.

It was not immediately clear whether anyone was injured or whether any arrests had been made.

This story will be updated as more information becomes available.