Crime & Safety

High School Locked Down Because of Parent's Toy Gun

A Costa Mesa high school was locked down today when a student's father allegedly entered campus with a toy gun demanding to see his daughter, who has a restraining order against him.

Estancia High School was locked down briefly this afternoon when a student's father told school staff he was armed with a gun -- which turned out to be a replica weapon -- after being told that a restraining order prevented him from contacting his daughter, police said.

Michael Burke McHugh, 35, of Costa Mesa, was arrested after he went to the high school at 2323 Placentia Ave. about 12:50 p.m., Costa Mesa police Lt. Mark Manley said.

McHugh said he wanted to pick up his daughter, but Estancia staff members were aware of a restraining order preventing him from contacting the girl, Manley said.

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When school officials refused to release the student to him, McHugh allegedly told them he had a handgun, prompting school staff to restrain him, initiate a lockdown and call police, Manley said.

McHugh was taken into custody without incident and was found to be carrying a replica gun, Manley said. McHugh was taken to a local hospital when he complained of an unspecified injury, Manley said.

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The campus-wide lockdown was lifted when McHugh was taken into custody, the lieutenant sai. Students were let out of school at their normal time, he added.

- City News Service


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