A tense afternoon unfolded in Pasadena on Thursday when Maranatha High School went into lockdown as officers searched nearby neighborhoods for people believed to be tied to an armed robbery in Baldwin Park. The lockdown was lifted later that day, and students were dismissed after authorities swept the campus.
According to officers, the search began after a driver abandoned a vehicle near the school's parking lot and fled on foot. That person was believed to be among four suspects wanted in connection with the Baldwin Park robbery. At least one person was taken into custody, though officials did not immediately say how many people were detained in total. As NBC Los Angeles noted, details were still limited Thursday evening.
Neighbors reported a heavy law enforcement presence in the area, describing multiple squad cars, police motorcycles, and low-flying helicopters circling overhead. Social media posts showed students gathering near a nearby Ralph's grocery store while officers worked the scene. Those on-the-ground accounts and local chatter were shared in threads on Reddit’s r/pasadena.
What authorities say
Law enforcement agencies have not released a detailed public timeline for the Baldwin Park robbery or a full breakdown of arrests, and it remained unclear how many people were ultimately detained. As reported by NBC Los Angeles, students were allowed to leave campus later Thursday afternoon once the lockdown was lifted.
About the school
Maranatha describes itself as a private, university-preparatory Christian high school in Pasadena, with campus and contact details listed on its official site. Families looking to verify information or seek updates can visit Maranatha's website.
Investigations are ongoing; authorities have not announced charges or provided a full accounting of arrests. More information is expected once officials choose to release additional details.
