All Alexandria public schools were dismissed as usual, except for one elementary school, after being locked in all afternoon Tuesday.

WASHINGTON — All Alexandria public schools were dismissed as usual, except for one elementary school, after being locked in all afternoon Tuesday.

All schools were on “lock-in” as Alexandria police searched for a person reportedly brandishing a weapon in the area of Maury Elementary School at 600 Russell Road.

The search for the suspect began breaking up shortly after 4 p.m. Tuesday. No one was found.

All schools dismissed at their normal times, except for Maury Elementary School.

Police helped officials with dismissal at Maury:

.@DepChiefHuchler and other APD Officers assist with dismissal of students at Maury Elementary School. pic.twitter.com/rjYgpTE20H — Alexandria Police (@AlexandriaVAPD) September 16, 2014

Alexandria schools Superintendent Alvin Crawley sent a letter home to parents informing them about the lock-in. He notes that Maury Elementary and four other schools were initially placed on lock-in.

“Given the uncertainty of the suspect’s whereabouts, the rest of our ACPS schools were put on lock-in as a precaution. Classes could then continue as normal inside a locked building.”

He encourages parents to talk to their children about the incident because “lock-in situations can frighten students.”

Alexandria police were looking for a suspect described as a black man with a medium complexion, 5-feet-6-inches to 5-feet-8-inches tall with a medium build and a “belly.” He is described as having a black mohawk style haircut. He was seen wearing a black shirt, blue pants, black boots and carrying what appeared to be a “long gun.”

With a lock-in, classes proceed as normal within the schools. All buildings are locked, says Helen Lloyd, Alexandria schools spokeswoman.

All ACPS schools on lock IN. No threat from within schools. Classes are proceeding as normal within schools. — ACPS (@ACPSk12) September 16, 2014

School officials had originally posted on its website and tweeted that all schools were on a lockdown. They changed that later to say “lock in.

Alexandria police had earlier tweeted that Maury Elementary School was on lockdown. The school was locked down as a precaution while police searched the area.

Alexandria Police said no one has been hurt and they were looking for the person.

Maury Elem. School has been locked down for a report of a person brandishing a weapon. No one injured. Police are circulating the area. — Alexandria Police (@AlexandriaVAPD) September 16, 2014

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