What started as a routine drop off outside Wilson Middle School in City Heights turned into a jarring gun scare yesterday, after a man in a red Tesla reportedly flashed a handgun at a student. The student ran into the school, the driver took off, and the staff briefly locked down the campus. Officers later tracked down and arrested a person connected to the incident, and the lockdown was lifted, but the fast-moving episode left parents and neighbors rattled.
What the police say
San Diego police told NBC 7 San Diego that the confrontation unfolded around 7:40 AM on El Cajon Boulevard near Interstate 15. Officer Sarah Foster said a man in a red Tesla pulled up, called the student over and "flashed a black gun" before driving away. Officers later arrested a suspect and lifted the lockdown. The station reports that police have not yet released the suspect's name or any potential charges.
District safety plans
According to San Diego Unified, every campus operates under a state-mandated Safe School Plan, and staff regularly train on lockdown and emergency procedures. District materials describe how schools coordinate with law enforcement and how families are notified when a threat occurs on or near campus. Parents are urged to closely follow school communications during any emergency.
Where this happened
Wilson Middle, at 3838 Orange Avenue in City Heights, serves about 688 students in grades 6 through 8, according to the California Department of Education. The campus fronts both Orange Avenue and El Cajon Boulevard near the I-15, a busy morning corridor where students often walk or get dropped off for class. Police provided the description of the red Tesla and the gun, information that was then relayed to NBC 7 San Diego.
How to report tips
Anyone with information about the incident is asked to contact the San Diego Police Department. For non-emergencies, call 619-531-2000. To share anonymous tips, reach out to Crime Stoppers. We will update this story as officials release more details.
