Man accused of trespassing on school grounds, making claims of having explosive device

A man has been arrested for trespassing onto an elementary school and making claims to school staff he had an explosive device in a backpack.

On Wednesday just before 10 a.m., officers responded to Anna Henry Elementary School for a report of a suspicious man who trespassed on school grounds.

Joshua Aaron Downing, 44, is accused of trespassing on school grounds, and making claims to school staff that he had an explosive device in a backpack and assaulting three school employees while attempting to gain entry into a building.

Staff immediately placed the school on lockdown.

Downing remained outside on school grounds and was walking south through campus.

Due to the close proximity to Anna Henry Elementary School, Sahuaro High School also went into lockdown.

Officers responded to the school and evacuated nearby homes near the southern campus of Anna Henry, where the suspect was positioned.

Read more: KVOA (Tuscon, AZ)