Two Ventura schools placed on lockdown after attempted kidnapping hoax

–UPDATE–

A spokesperson for the Ventura Police Department has confirmed that as of 10:39 a.m. Thursday, the schools are no longer on lockdown.

The spokesperson said the report about an unknown individual trying to grab a Balboa Middle School student was made up.

Police received a call from staff at Balboa school just before 9:30 a.m. reporting that a 14-year-old student said he was approached by an unknown individual while walking to school and that the individual tried to grab him.

After speaking with the student, Ventura police says they determined the story was made up and no crime had occurred.

Authorities say School Resource Officers will work with the Ventura Unified School District staff to determine an “appropriate resolution.”

Ventura police confirm that Balboa Middle School and Mound Elementary School were placed on lockdown Thursday morning.

The lockdown at both Ventura schools was implemented as a precaution after a student reported that an individual approached them and tried to grab them, according to authorities.

Officers are on scene investigating but authorities say there is no ongoing threat to the students.

No further details were immediately known. We will update this story when new information becomes available.