4 detained after gunshots reported near Bethesda-area high school, school lockdowns lifted

MONTGOMERY COUNTY, Md. - Four people were taken into custody, and more than half a dozen schools in Montgomery County were placed in "secure" status Wednesday afternoon after reports of shots fired near the campus of a Bethesda high school.

Shots fired reports near Bethesda campus

What we know:

The Montgomery County Police Department said that officers responded to reports of shots fired just after noon Wednesday in the 6600 block of Rockledge Drive.

That area is near Walter Johnson High School, as well as a children's center. Police confirmed that while evidence of the shooting was found in the area, it did not occur on school property.

Montgomery County Public Schools told FOX 5 DC that seven schools in total were placed in "secure" status, which "is used when there is a potential threat outside the school building." Everyone is brought inside and doors are locked, but "normal school activities continue indoors," the district said.

In addition to Walter Johnson High School, North Bethesda Middle School, Asburton Elementary School, Wyngate Elementary School, Tilden Middle School, Luxmanor Elementary School and Rock Terrace School were also secured. The secure status was later lifted.

Around 1:30 p.m. MCPD officials confirmed to FOX 5 DC that four people had been detained.

In an update posted to X at 1:55 p.m., police said the scene had been secured and Montgomery County Public Schools had lifted the secure status. The post also said that no injuries had been reported.

Investigation in Bethesda

What we don't know:

While four individuals have been detained, police have not yet said if any charges have been issued for the shooting. Officials have not yet shared what the cause of shooting may have been. The MCPD has not released any other information about the investigation. 

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