Arrest leads to brief lockdown at Desert Oasis High School

OTHELLO — A man arrested on a parole violation across the street from Desert Oasis High School led to a 10-minute “modified lockdown” Feb. 17.

Othello Police Sgt. Brent McFarlane said OPD helped in the arrest by the Washington Department of Corrections.

The arrest happened when classes at 825 E. Ash St. let out after the morning session, McFarlane said. With all the activity around DOHS, McFarlane said he asked district officials to keep kids inside.

“There was a lot of traffic,” he said. “It was more a precaution,” he said.

Ed Petersen, Othello School District’s director of communications, said a modified lockdown means interior and exterior doors are locked and blinds are closed. Movement inside the building is restricted as well, but classes continue as normal.