Man Arrested After Alleged Gun Incident at Racine School

Authorities say the suspect followed another vehicle into the school parking lot and displayed a firearm.

Published on Mar. 10, 2026

Got story updates? Submit your updates here. ›

A 52-year-old man from Oak Creek, Wisconsin has been arrested in connection with an incident that led to a lockdown at the Racine Engineering, Arts, and Leadership (R.E.A.L.) School in Sturtevant. According to the Racine County Sheriff's Office, the suspect, Charles Lindley, allegedly got into a 'road rage' incident with another vehicle, followed that vehicle into the school's parking lot, and then displayed a black handgun, inserting a magazine and racking the slide, possibly pointing it at another person.

Why it matters

Any incident involving a firearm near a school is taken extremely seriously by law enforcement due to concerns over public safety and the potential for harm to students and staff. This case highlights the need for vigilance and quick response from authorities to address potential threats to schools.

The details

Deputies were called to the R.E.A.L. School around 2:44 p.m. on March 6 for reports of a man with a gun in the school parking lot. After investigating, they determined that Lindley had followed another vehicle into the school's parking lot and then allegedly displayed a black handgun, inserting a magazine and racking the slide, possibly pointing it at another person. The school was placed into lockdown during the incident.

  • On March 6, 2026, deputies were called to the R.E.A.L. School around 2:44 p.m.
  • On March 8, 2026, sheriff's investigators arrested Lindley at his home.

The players

Charles Lindley

A 52-year-old man from Oak Creek, Wisconsin who was arrested in connection with the incident at the R.E.A.L. School.

Racine County Sheriff Christopher Schmaling

The sheriff who stated that any time a firearm is displayed on or near a school, it is treated with the utmost seriousness.

Racine Engineering, Arts, and Leadership (R.E.A.L.) School

The school in Sturtevant, Wisconsin where the incident took place and which was placed on lockdown.

Got photos? Submit your photos here. ›

What they’re saying

“Any time a firearm is displayed on or near a school, it is treated with the utmost seriousness. Deputies responded immediately, secured the school, and investigators worked quickly to identify the suspect, who was later taken into custody. The safety of the students, staff, and community will always remain our highest priority.”

— Christopher Schmaling, Racine County Sheriff (wtmj.com)

What’s next

Charges are pending against Charles Lindley following his arrest.

The takeaway

This incident underscores the importance of swift law enforcement response and the need for heightened security measures to protect schools and their surrounding communities from potential threats involving firearms.