Schools locked down as armed suspect apprehended in Chelan

CHELAN — A 34-year-old man was arrested Wednesday following a disturbance that prompted a lockdown of local schools in Chelan.

The Chelan County Sheriff's Office responded to a report of a disturbance at approximately 10:30 a.m. on the 400 block of East Woodin Avenue. The suspect, identified as Jesus Lulo-Gonzales, allegedly attempted to stab the reporting party before fleeing the scene on foot.

Due to the proximity of Morgen Owens Elementary School, authorities requested the Lake Chelan School District implement a lockdown. The measure was extended to include the local high school and middle school while deputies searched for the suspect.

Lulo-Gonzales was later found hiding behind garbage cans on East Okanogan Avenue. According to the sheriff's report, the suspect was threatening self-harm while holding a knife to his throat. Deputies deployed a less-lethal bean bag round, striking Lulo-Gonzales in the arm, which caused him to drop the knife and surrender without further incident.

Following his apprehension, Lulo-Gonzales was taken to Lake Chelan Community Hospital for medical clearance before being booked into the Chelan County Regional Justice Center. He faces charges of resisting arrest and second-degree assault.

The Sheriff's Office expressed gratitude to the Chelan School District for their rapid response to the lockdown request.

Authorities confirmed that the initial victim was unharmed in the incident. The investigation is ongoing.