A suspect was arrested late Tuesday in connection to gunshots fired at an elementary school in San Jose's Willow Glen neighborhood, San Jose police said.
Police did not identify the suspect.
Police early Tuesday surrounded Booksin Elementary School, which is located at the corner of Booksin Avenue and Dry Creek Road, hours before school started, but they were unable to find the shooter. Despite coming up empty, officers said the school and the surrounding neighborhood were safe.
The incident began just before 4 a.m. when officers received a report of a person shooting a gun in the area of the school, according to police.
Officers later found gunfire damage to a security camera near the school's library as well as damage to a nearby wall. It appears the damage may have come from shotgun rounds.
Police later found a shotgun in a nearby backyard. It is not yet clear if that firearm discovered was the one used in the shooting.
Karen Scherrer, who lives across the street from the school, said she called 911 after waking up to the sound of one gunshot. She then ran toward the campus and saw the gunman shooting at the security camera.
As she crept closer toward the shooter, Scherrer said he pointed the gun in her direction. She said she dropped to the ground before moving to a new location on the campus.
While moving, Scherrer said she heard the gunman shooting again. She and her husband decided to chase after the shooter, but they were unable to find him.
"I just wanted to give a description," Scherrer said. "I want it to stop. I'm tired of this. My daughter goes here. It's not fair for the kids. It's not fair."
Scherrer said gunshots were also fired at the school about two weeks ago. School district officials believe the gunman who opened fire on Tuesday could be connected to that shooting.
"A lot of parents kept their kids home," Scherrer said. "It's instilling fear in the community. It's not fair for us. I just wanted it to stop."
Booksin Elementary School temporarily suspended outdoor recess on Tuesday, and teachers were asked to keep classroom doors closed throughout the day.
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The investigation is ongoing, police said, and anyone with information is asked to contact the San Jose Police Department's Assaults Unit at 408-277-4161.
Editor's Note: A previous version of this story incorrectly spelled Karen Scherrer's name and indicated that the suspect, per sources, was a minor. It was corrected when NBC Bay Area learned that the suspect is over 18.
