CHULA VISTA, Calif. (FOX 5/KUSI) — Mater Dei Catholic High School was placed on a brief lockdown Thursday afternoon after administrators received an anonymous phone call referencing a possible shooting and bomb threat, according to the Chula Vista Police Department.
Police reported that at approximately 12:36 p.m., officers were dispatched to the campus following notification from school officials about the threatening call. As a precautionary measure, the school initiated lockdown procedures prior to officers’ arrival to ensure the safety of students, faculty, and staff.
At around 1:19 p.m., Chula Vista police shared a public update on social media confirming that the campus was under lockdown. During this time, no individuals were permitted to enter or exit the school grounds. Students and teachers remained secured inside classrooms while authorities began their investigation.
Upon arrival, officers conducted a comprehensive search of the campus in coordination with school security personnel. The response included the deployment of a drone to assist with aerial surveillance and two K-9 units trained in explosive detection to perform a bomb sweep of the property. Law enforcement worked methodically to assess any potential threat and to ensure the safety of everyone on site.
At approximately 1:40 p.m., officials announced that the campus had transitioned to a “secure” status. Under this designation, students were allowed to move between areas on campus, but entry and exit points remained restricted as officers continued their precautionary measures.
After completing a thorough investigation, authorities confirmed that no credible threat was found. By 2:31 p.m., less than an hour after transitioning to secure status, all campus restrictions were lifted and normal operations resumed.
Police officers remained on campus for a period of time following the incident as an added safety precaution. Parents were instructed to pick up their children at the Mater Dei Catholic Church parking lot to help manage traffic and maintain order.
The incident remains under investigation as authorities work to determine the source of the anonymous call. Officials emphasized that the swift and coordinated response was implemented out of an abundance of caution to protect students and staff.
