Two separate security incidents reported at Rio Rancho schools Monday morning
Police investigate a reported armed dispute near Shining Stars Preschool and a verbal altercation that prompted a temporary shelter-in-place at Rio Rancho High School.
RIO RANCHO, N.M. —
On the third day of the school year, two separate security incidents were reported Monday morning at two different Rio Rancho Public Schools.
At 8:07 a.m., the first incident occurred at Shining Stars Preschool, which serves more than 300 pre-K students. Rio Rancho police reported that a man with a gun threatened someone at the school, pointing the weapon at an individual before leaving the area.
According to police scanner traffic obtained from Broadcastify, dispatch stated, ” Subject pointed a gun at him next to school. He’s in a green black Ford F-150.”
A later transmission noted, “It looks like the male is trying to engage in a fight before he left.”
Officers later located the man’s vehicle and pulled him over. Police interviewed the parties involved and are continuing to investigate the circumstances surrounding the incident.
In an email to parents, the Shining Stars principal wrote:
“This email is to inform you of a security issue that occurred near our school this morning. We received a report that a firearm may have been brandished during an argument that took place near our campus by adult individuals. The Rio Rancho Police Department is currently investigating this matter.
This incident has not impacted our school’s operations and instruction has continued as normal. However, we do understand that the situation may have caused concern among parents who were present. Please know that our Safety and Security Department as well as our admin team is dedicated to ensuring that our school remains a safe place for students to learn and grow. Thank you for your continued support.”
About 20 minutes later, a second incident occurred two miles down the road at Rio Rancho High School.
Rio Rancho police responded to a report that a male subject threatened an employee while armed before leaving the campus, prompting the high school to go on lockdown.
Officers spoke with the involved parties and determined that no crime had occurred. According to police, the male had reportedly been verbally aggressive toward staff, but no weapon was observed.
Rio Rancho High School administrators sent the following email to parents outlining the situation and the temporary shelter-in-place:
“This email is to inform you that the Rio Rancho High School campus was placed on a temporary shelter in place due to a threat made by an adult individual toward a member of our security staff. The individual immediately left campus and had no contact with students, but out of an abundance of caution we entered a temporary enhanced security status. During the shelter-in-place, classroom instruction and school operations continued as normal. The shelter-in-place has since been lifted, and we anticipate the day to continue as normal.
We are deeply grateful to the Rio Rancho Police Department for their swift response and ongoing partnership in helping ensure the safety of our students, staff, and community members. Members of the Rio Rancho Police Department will be more visible today to ensure a return to normalcy. We want to take this opportunity to emphasize that making threats against our school community is not only disruptive, but against state law. As always, the safety of our students, staff, and visitors will remain a top priority. Thank you for your continued support of our school.”
Rio Rancho Public Schools Superintendent Dr. Robert Dodd addressed the incidents Monday during the unveiling of a new preschool at Puesta del Sol.
“Both of those are active police investigations,” Dodd said.
He emphasized the district’s communication with local law enforcement during both events.
“The other piece that I would say that is so critical and was was apparent in both of these incidents is our strong historical partnership with the police department. So our staff collaborates closely with the police,” Dodd said.
“I would I would say that one of the strongest attributes that I have seen since I first came here to interview in December of 2025, is the investment that this school district has made in safety and security,” Dodd added.
Dodd also commended the high school administration’s response to the shelter-in-place.
“I was on the phone personally with him (Rio Rancho High School’s Principal) this morning. He and his team knew just what to do to ensure that they were following our protocols and that they were making sure that the over 2,000 kids and staff were safe there today,” Dodd said.
