On January 8, 2026, at approximately 10:23 a.m., Cypress Police responded to a report of a male possibly carrying a rifle near the 9100 block of Evergreen Avenue, last seen entering St. Irenaeus Catholic Church and School.
Cypress Officers along with surrounding agencies immediately secured the property and placed the school on lockdown.
The individual was contacted without incident and was found to be unarmed at the time. An air rifle was later located, and the subject was arrested for possession of a weapon on school grounds.
The lockdown has been lifted, and there is no ongoing threat to the public. The Cypress Police appreciate the cooperation of their partner agencies and the community during this response.
Cypress is a city in northwestern Orange County, California.
Penalties faced by the suspect
In California, air rifles (including BB and pellet guns) are not considered “firearms” under the Gun-Free School Zone Act (Penal Code 626.9), but they are strictly prohibited on K-12 school grounds under Penal Code 626.10.
The suspect faces penalties for a “wobbler” offense, which can be prosecuted as either a misdemeanor or a felony based on their criminal history and the circumstances of the incident.
Potential Penalties Under Penal Code 626.10
- Felony Conviction:
- Imprisonment: Up to three years in state prison.
- Fines: Up to $10,000.
- Gun Rights: A lifetime ban on owning or possessing firearms in California.
- Misdemeanor Conviction:
- Jail Time: Up to one year in county jail.
- Fines: Up to $1,000.
- Gun Rights: A potential 10-year ban on owning or possessing firearms.
Collateral Consequences
A conviction for this offense may also result in the loss of certain civil privileges and benefits, including:
- Eligibility for Section 8 housing and federal disability or Social Security benefits.
- Eligibility for unemployment benefits and California disability benefits.
- The right to gain U.S. citizenship.
- For non-U.S. citizens, potential deportation or removal from the country.
School officials or peace officers have the legal authority to seize these weapons from anyone on school grounds if they have reasonable cause to believe the person is prohibited from possessing them there.