Domestic dispute leads to lockdown of two schools

Marsh+Junior+High+was+one+of+the+schools+locked+down+Tuesday.+Photo+credit%3A+Tisha+Cheney

Marsh Junior High was one of the schools locked down Tuesday. Photo credit: Tisha Cheney

A domestic disturbance took place in the 1200 Block of Notre Dame Boulevard at 10:20 a.m. Tuesday.

According to a press release, Michael Sterling, 32, left the scene on foot with a pistol in his possession. Due to the close proximity to Little Chico Creek Elementary and Marsh Junior High schools, both were forced into a code red lockdown.

Police were able to detain the suspect quickly. The lockdown was then lifted, lasting approximately four minutes.

According to District Assistant Superintendent Kevin Bultema, the ordeal was dealt with quickly.

“Due to the length (of time spent), it probably should have been set as a code yellow, which is cautionary. We are currently evaluating this,” Bultema said.

Sterling was booked into Butte County Jail on charges of felon domestic violence and possession of a loaded firearm, according to the release.

No one was hurt during the incident.

Tisha Cheney can be reached at [email protected] or @orionnews_TC on Twitter.