Old Orchard Elementary on lockdown as deputies search for suspect 

Sheriff's deputies search along the South Fork of the Santa Clara River for a stolen vehicle theft suspect who fled on foot. Chris Torres/The Signal
Sheriff's deputies search along the South Fork of the Santa Clara River for a stolen vehicle theft suspect who fled on foot. Chris Torres/The Signal
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Old Orchard Elementary School was placed on a hard lockdown Monday afternoon as sheriff’s deputies searched for a stolen vehicle suspect who fled on foot, with deputies pursuing him through parts of Valencia and establishing a containment of a neighborhood near Vista Valencia Golf Course, where the suspect was last reported seen. 

Placerita Junior High School was also placed on a soft lockdown, according to Natalie Arriaga, spokeswoman for the Santa Clarita Valley Sheriff’s Station. At approximately 3 p.m., the SCV Sheriff’s Station announced that all school lockdowns had been lifted. Around this same time, the containment was broken down.

After the containment was ended, Arriaga stated that “the investigation remains ongoing.” 

Sgt. Cabrera, watch sergeant for the SCV Sheriff’s Station, confirmed the suspect was not apprehended.

“Deputies, along with the help of LASD Aero Bureau, are actively searching for a stolen vehicle suspect who fled on foot, along the 24200 block of Oak Vale Drive in Newhall,” Arriaga said in a written statement. “A containment has been set up while deputies continue to search for the suspect. As a precaution, Placerita Junior High School and Old Orchard Elementary were also placed on a lockdown.” 

Deputies’ pursuit of the suspect led through the Valencia neighborhood west of Old Orchard Elementary, then along the South Fork of the Santa Clara River toward the Vista Valencia Golf Course and ultimately to Oak Vale Drive, according to L.A. County radio dispatch traffic. 

Sheriff’s deputies established a containment in the area of Oak Vale Drive and Tournament Road as they searched for a stolen vehicle suspect who fled on foot Monday. Video by Chris Torres/The Signal

Earlier dispatch radio traffic indicated deputies began pursuing the suspect on foot near the intersection of Lyons Avenue and Wheeler Road, but he eluded capture.  

The suspect was described as a white male approximately 5 feet, 8 inches tall, wearing a black and gray flannel shirt, with a light-colored undershirt and baggy blue jeans.    

Soon after the foot pursuit began, dispatch radio traffic reported that he was seen heading into the South Fork of the Santa Clara River. Arriaga said he was last seen near the Vista Valencia Golf Course. Deputies set up a containment in the area.  

This is a breaking news story and will be updated as more information becomes available. 

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