Lakeville Police Respond to Reported Firearm Incident at Pathways Academy; 17-Year-Old Taken Into Custody
Published: February 24, 2026
LAKEVILLE, MINNESOTA - A 17-year-old student was taken into custody Tuesday afternoon following a reported firearms-related incident at Lakeville Pathways Academy, prompting multiple schools in the area to be placed in a temporary “Secure” status.
According to the Lakeville Police Department, officers were notified shortly before 12:30 p.m. on February 24, 2026, by staff at Pathways Academy, located at the Kenwood Middle School, 19455 Kenwood Trail, of an incident between students in which a firearm was allegedly displayed.
Student Fled School After Report
Police say school staff quickly identified and made contact with the 17-year-old student reported to have been in possession of the firearm. The student then fled the school on foot.
A School Resource Officer, along with additional officers from the Lakeville Police Department, immediately responded to the area. Officers worked to ensure the safety of students and staff inside the building while also prioritizing efforts to locate the suspect. Authorities confirmed, after a preliminary review, that the student had left the building and had not returned.
Multiple Schools Placed in “Secure” Status
Out of an abundance of caution, several nearby schools were placed in a “Secure” status while the situation unfolded.
In emails sent to parents by Lakeville Area Schools Superintendent Michael Baumann, families were informed that the district had been notified of a “possible threat” near Pathways Academy and surrounding schools.
The affected schools included:
Pathways Academy at Kenwood Trail Middle School
Lakeville North High School
Lakeville South High School
Lake Marion Elementary School
Lakeview Elementary School
During a Secure status, all exterior doors are locked, and no one is allowed to enter or leave the building. However, classes and normal activities inside the school continue as scheduled.
In the email, Baumann emphasized that the district was actively monitoring the situation in collaboration with the Lakeville Police Department and would provide updates as more information became available.
Suspect Arrested in Neighboring Community
Police continued to follow investigative leads throughout the early afternoon. At approximately 1:40 p.m., officers located and took the suspect into custody in a neighboring community without further incident.
Authorities stated that no firearms were recovered at the location of the arrest.
The juvenile is currently being held on charges of Aggravated Robbery. Any formal charging decisions will be reviewed by the Dakota County Attorney’s Office once the preliminary investigation is complete.
Investigation Ongoing
Police emphasized that the investigation remains in its early stages. Additional details regarding the circumstances of the alleged firearm display or the events leading up to the report have not yet been released.
In a joint effort, the Lakeville Police Department and Lakeville Area Schools continue to work together to ensure the safety and well-being of students, staff, and families.
Police Chief Brad Paulson stated that the department will continue to provide updates as the investigation progresses.
There were no reports of injuries connected to the incident.
Written by: Will Wight
