Two Chico schools were briefly locked down Monday morning after police received a report of a confrontation during which a teenager with a gun tried to intimidate a man.
Little Chico Creek Elementary and Marsh Junior High were ordered locked down shortly before 10 on Monday. The order was lifted after about 15 minutes.
After tense moments and an aggressive search of the area, police determined that the gun was an inoperable replica.
Police were called after a local resident confronted a group of three teens acting suspiciously. The resident was concerned about recent thefts. During a heated discussion, one of the teens lifted his shirt, revealing the butt of a pistol. The teens then took flight on skateboards.
Police were later directed to an apartment where five boys, ranging from 13 to 17, were found along with a replica handgun.
None of the youths claimed ownership of the object, which was confiscated. No charges were filed.