Two Decatur schools implemented safety procedures today after a man with a gun was seen near Somerville Road Elementary, but he was removing the weapon from a family member’s home for safety reasons. Dwight Satterfield, supervisor of safety and alternative education, said Somerville Road teachers were escorting students at the intersection of 16th Avenue and Cypress Street when they saw a man come out of a residence with a rifle and a backpack. Satterfield said the teachers hurried the students back into the school and the principal called emergency 911. Somerville Road and Decatur High School went into a secured perimeter, locking outside doors and limiting entrance, because of the threat. Multiple Decatur police units responded, and officers found the man. Police spokesman Lt. John Crouch said the man was removing the weapon from his mother’s home for safety reasons.

BAYNE HUGHES, SETH BURKETT