THATCHER — Thatcher Schools went into a soft lockdown Tuesday afternoon, while local law enforcement tracked down a man in the area believed to carrying a weapon.
Thatcher Police Chief Shaffen Woods said at about 1:30 p.m., his department responded to the Cota Subdivision, following reports of a man armed with a machete. The man was also believed to be possibly under the influence of a narcotic or alcohol.
The man was last seen walking in the area of 1st Street and Porter Lane, so officers notified Thatcher Schools, prompting the soft lockdown —locking all entrances and exits to buildings — at about 1:40 p.m.
The suspect, Identified as Marco Perez, was located several blocks away from the schools at about 2 p.m. and was taken into custody without incident.
“We had support from Graham County Sheriff’s Office, Safford PD and DPS, for which we are very grateful,” Woods said.
The lockdown was canceled, and children were released to go home from school at the normal time.
