Ogdensburg Free Academy lockdown ends after BB gun arrest

Ogdensburg Free Academy was placed on lockdown Thursday, Oct. 15, after police arrested a 52-year-old Ogdensburg man accused of pointing a replica revolver-style BB gun at passing motorists on State Street, according to police reports cited by multiple local news organizations.

Police received complaints at about 11:20 a.m., though reports differ slightly on the exact time. Officers located the man and took him into custody without further incident. Police began lockdown procedures at the school because of its proximity to the scene, and School Resource Officers secured the campus. The lockdown ended at about 1 p.m.

The weapon was described as a replica revolver BB gun. Police charged the man with four counts of second-degree menacing, one count of obstruction of governmental administration, criminal nuisance, disorderly conduct and a Mental Hygiene Law count. He was released on an appearance ticket and is due in Ogdensburg City Court on a date that has not been reported.

Police Chief Mark Kearns said the school lockdown was a precaution and that there was no immediate danger to the school. The incident was separate from a Feb. 1, 2024, lockdown at Ogdensburg Free Academy after a report of a person with a firearm on campus. No weapon was found in that earlier incident, which occurred after the school day ended.

The Oct. 15 lockdown affected the high school in Ogdensburg, in St. Lawrence County. The arrest and charges are allegations, and the defendant is presumed innocent unless proven guilty in court.