Report of gunman locks down school

HAMDEN, Conn. (WTNH) -- A reported sighting of a person with a rifle near the Hamden transfer station led to a lockdown at nearby schools and an emergency response from several police departments was a "non issue", the mayor said.

Hamden Mayor Scott Jackson said via Twitter "Hamden police have cleared the area around the transfer station on Wintergreen Avenue; appears report of gunman was non issue."

Around 1:30 Wednesday afternoon there were reports a man with a rifle had been spotted near the transfer station in Hamden. police say a public works employee called in and they immediately took action.

Nearby New Haven schools were put on lockdown. Catherine Brennan and Brennan Rogers Magnet and Common High were all put on lock down. The police were assisted by police from the city of New Haven, Southern Connecticut State University and Yale university.

Police combed the woods in neighborhoods around the transfer station. The employee described the suspect as an Asian male wearing a black coat. He was reported to be carrying a rifle with a scope.

Police blocked off streets, stopped traffic and pedestrians from entering the area and officers were also sent to assist with dismissal at nearby Wintergreen Magnet and Helen Street schools in Hamden. Parents that News 8 spoke to said the authorities did the right thing.

"I'm so glad that they have covered the grounds and took the steps to be safe," Meagan Pinkard.

"Better safe than sorry situation," asked News 8's Jacquie Slater.

"Absolutely. So I'm thankful. I'm thankful to God everyone is safe," said Pinkard.

Now the New Haven Police and the school police departments were cleared from the scene around 3:30 Wednesday afternoon.

Students at Southern Connecticut State University also received a notification saying that there may be a gunman in the area. However that school was not put on lockdown.

Hamden has given the all clear at this point. News 8 is still waiting on a press release with more details on this incident.