By Leslie Golden | lgolden@alextimes.com

On April 17, students and staff at two different schools on campuses in Alexandria were forced into lockdowns following unrelated shooting incidents in separate areas in the city. According to a press release, at approximately 1 p.m., students and faculty at St. Anthony’s preschool at 321 First St. were placed in lockdown following a report of shots fired in the 1200 block of Madison Street. In connection with this incident, the APD recovered two firearms and detained three subjects.

Later that day at approximately 4 p.m., the APD initiated a lockdown at the SSSAS’ middle school campus at 4401 West Braddock Road following a shooting incident at the Bradlee Shopping Center. Eric Hols, the director of safety and security at St. Stephen’s and St. Agnes school, in an email to the parent community shared that “at approximately 4 p.m. a suspect ran through Fort Ward park toward the campus. There were students and faculty on campus for after school activities and meetings. Students and staff remained on lock down for approximately 20 minutes until the APD determined there was no longer a threat in the vicinity.” No injuries were reported, one firearm was recovered and one arrest was made.