Man arrested after being spotted carrying a rifle near Richland Middle School

A man seen carrying a rifle near Richland Middle School on Thursday afternoon, prompting the school to go on lockdown, was arrested later the same evening and for threatening another person with the gun, Richland Hills police say.

Phillip Ibarra, 31, of Richland Hills faces a charge of aggravated assault with a deadly weapon, police say.

He was first seen carrying the rifle toward the intersection of Hovenkamp Avenue and Scranton Drive, which faces the north side of the school, shortly before 3:30 p.m. School doesn’t let out until 3:50 p.m.

The school was placed on lockdown as a precaution, police say. Police began a search for Ibarra with help from neighboring police departments, covering the school campus and surrounding area.

Richland Hills police said Haltom City, North Richland Hills and Hurst police assisted.

Officers remained at the campus while students were released, police say.

At about 6:15 p.m., Ibarra was again reported near the school. Shortly before 6:30 p.m., police found him in the 300 block of Booth Calloway Road and Encino Drive, which is about three blocks from the school campus.

A victim was also found who claimed that Ibarra had threatened him with the rifle but didn’t hurt him, leading to the assault charge, police said.

Police said Ibarra faces charges on several misdemeanor warrants. Tarrant County court records indicate he’s been arrested more than 10 times since 2005 on charges including driving while intoxicated and assault.

This story was originally published October 26, 2018 at 9:02 AM.