Loganlea State High School Lockdown: Man Arrested with Gel Blaster
Incident Overview
A lockdown was initiated at Loganlea State High School in south-east Queensland on the morning of [date not specified] after a man was observed near the campus carrying what appeared to be a firearm.
Police Response
Police attended the area on Neridah Street at approximately 9am and located the man, who was carrying a gel blaster—a replica-type firearm that shoots water-soaked pellets.
The man was arrested. No injuries were reported.
School Actions
School executive staff enacted a lockdown procedure, during which students and staff took cover in the school hall and other buildings. The lockdown was lifted later that morning, and normal classes resumed.
Parent Notification
In an email sent to parents, the school principal stated:
"I received information this morning that someone in the community had a gun. I immediately put the school in lockdown and called 000. I can confirm that the police have notified me that they found this person, and they in fact had a gel blaster, not a gun. All staff and students are safe. The school is no longer in lockdown and students have returned to normal."
Legal Context
Gel blasters are not prohibited in Queensland for individuals aged over 18, but due to their resemblance to real firearms, there are regulations governing their use in public.