Teen kidnapped at gunpoint in West Covina, found safe in Covina

WEST COVINA -- The armed kidnapping of a teenage boy prompted the lockdown of an elementary school Friday, police said.

Officers received a report about 3 p.m. of a kidnapping involving the use of a gun and a shot fired in the 1800 block of East Workman Avenue, West Covina police Cpl. Rudy Lopez said in a written statement.

"The victim, a male, 17, of West Covina was confronted by at least four males who drove up in a light-colored SUV," Lopez said. "One suspect fired a shot from a handgun, forcing the victim to enter the suspect vehicle. The vehicle was last seen driving north on Azusa Avenue."

Police found the kidnapping victim, unharmed, just under an hour later in the area of Citrus Avenue and Arrow Highway in Covina, police said.

As a result of the investigation, nearby Workman Elementary School was placed on a precautionary lockdown until about 4 p.m., Lopez said.

Police declined to release any further details about the incident. The investigation was ongoing.