Olive Middle School in Baldwin Park will cease class operations on Friday following a disturbing event that led to an extended police standoff. A staff member, who is believed to be a teacher based on multiple social media posts, allegedly barricaded herself inside a school building. It is reported that this incident persisted for nearly 12 hours before ultimately ending in the woman's arrest. During the standoff, tear gas was used, and a BearCat, along with a K-9 unit, was brought to the scene.
According to KTLA, the disturbance started around 9:45 a.m. on Thursday, resulting in the school's evacuation. The building remained surrounded by SWAT officers well into the evening. Despite several attempts to contact them for comment, the Baldwin Park Police Department did not respond to inquiries regarding whether the staff member was armed or the specific reasons behind her actions.
The closure of the school and provision of mental health support resources were confirmed in a statement obtained by NBC Los Angeles, citing the ongoing investigation and the well-being of students and staff.
Students were safely evacuated to nearby Walnut Elementary School for early dismissal, as described in a report by CBS News Los Angeles. The involved parties included local law enforcement, who were praised for their rapid response. Classes are expected to resume on Monday, with the school district announcing that additional care is available for families and students who need it.
Details around the circumstances of the barricade are still unclear, but the unnamed employee was peacefully taken into custody around 9:30 p.m., with an ambulance transporting her to be checked out.
