Northeast El Paso school evacuated

El Paso police say they’ve taken into custody a man believed responsible for a precautionary school evacuation.

Students at Dowell Elementary were evacuated before lunch as emergency crews inspected the campus to ensure everyone’s safety.

An EPISD spokeswoman tells ABC-7 police received reports of a threat two blocks away from the school.

Administrators initially placed the school under a “lock out,” meaning no one could go in or out but classes were not affected. Around 11 a.m., school officials decided to evacuate the school at 5249 Bastille Dr., and send students to nearby Irvin High.

The elementary students were be temporarily housed in the high school’s gymnasium.

“All students are being bused to Irvin High School and we will follow family reunification protocol,” spokeswoman Vanesa Monsisvais said in a statement.

Students can be picked up from now until 3:15 p.m. The person picking them up must have an ID and be on the student’s emergency contact list.

“Lunch is being served and all students are safe,” said Monsisvais.

Parents can call 230-2550 if they have questions.

Police have not yet released the name of the man taken into custody or specified any charges he might face.