Threats with a firearm prompted a school lockdown and resulted in two arrests on Thursday, May 16 in Escalon.

According to police, a victim reported being threatened with a firearm early morning on May 16, the threats coming during a civil dispute in the 500 block of First Street.

“The dispute involved possessions that the victim had stored at the property. Officers subsequently secured an arrest warrant and a search warrant for the property,” police noted.

Later, despite advice from the department, the victim returned to the location on First Street and sought a civil standby from Escalon police officers, so that he could retrieve his possessions from the property without further incident.

“This alerted the suspect to the investigation,” added officials.

Due to the severity of the alleged crime (assault with a deadly weapon (firearm)), EPD coordinated with the San Joaquin County Sheriff’s Department SWAT team to assist with the search warrant.

As a result of the investigation, El Portal Middle School campus was placed on lockdown out of precaution due to its proximity to the residence – El Portal is in the 800 block of First, the residence being searched was in the 500 block.

Ultimately, police said, the primary suspect, identified as 56-year-old Chad Evans of Escalon, was arrested for assault with a deadly weapon (Firearm), possession of methamphetamine, and possession of drug paraphernalia. A second subject, Johnathan Hughes, 39, from Escalon, was arrested for an outstanding traffic warrant as well as being a felon in possession of ammunition.