No Threat Found After Suspicious Person Report Prompts Lockdowns Near Hamilton Ridge Elementary in Savage
Published: January 16, 2026
SAVAGE, MINNESOTA - Just after 4 PM Friday afternoon, January 16, 2026, the Savage Police reported that they had been investigating a report of a suspicious person near the Hamilton Ridge Elementary School. They confirmed no threat was found, but two nearby schools were put on precautionary lockdowns on Friday afternoon.
According to the Savage Police Department, officers were dispatched at approximately 12:01 p.m. after receiving a call reporting an adult male wearing dark clothing in the area of Hamilton Ridge Elementary School. The caller indicated the individual may have been carrying what appeared to be a paintball gun or rifle.
Out of an abundance of caution, Hamilton Ridge Elementary and Prior Lake High School were placed into lockdown status while officers established a perimeter and conducted a thorough search of the surrounding area. Savage police were assisted by the Prior Lake Police Department and the Scott County Sheriff’s Office, including the sheriff’s office drone team, which helped canvass the area from the air.
After an extensive search, authorities reported that no individual matching the description was located. Once officers determined there was no active threat, Hamilton Ridge Elementary transitioned from a full lockdown to normal operations with an exterior-only lockdown as a precautionary measure.
The scene was fully cleared at approximately 1:05 p.m., and no further action was required.
The Savage Police Department thanked school staff, students, parents, and community members for their cooperation and patience during the response, emphasizing that the precautionary measures were taken to ensure student and staff safety.
Officials did not report any injuries, arrests, or ongoing concerns related to the incident.
Location of the Elementary School and Prior Lake High School.
Written By: Will Wight
