Four Encinitas schools were placed on lockdown for about 20 minutes today while the sheriff's department investigated a report of a man with a gun in the area, authorities said.
Ocean Knoll Elementary, San Dieguito Academy, Oak Crest Middle and St. John's Preschool were each placed on lockdown as a precautionary measure about 9 a.m., according to San Diego County sheriff's Lt. Jeff Maxin.
The measure was taken after deputies received a report that a man with a gun was spotted in a canyon near the San Dieguito Academy, Maxin said.
At 9:21 a.m., deputies located the man and lockdown orders were lifted, he said.
It was not immediately clear whether a weapon was recovered.