Hazelwood Elementary School and Rainier Middle School were placed on lockdown early Friday afternoon after three third-grade students at Hazelwood reportedly observed a teenage boy carrying what was believed to have been a firearm, Auburn Police said.

The schools ­- in close proximity and separated by a narrow wood line and adjoined with a path – were temporarily locked down around 1 p.m.

The suspect reportedly was in near the wood line between the schools.

Auburn Police officers arrived on scene, set a perimeter and conducted a thorough search around the schools while school staff assisted with searching inside.

The suspect was not located and the schools were reopened at 2:30 p.m..

Auburn Police are working with both schools to maintain the safety of students and staff.