EAU CLAIRE, Wis. (WFRV) – A 32-year-old Eau Claire man was taken into custody after reportedly refusing to leave an elementary school property he was previously banned from, prompting a lockdown and leading to the discovery of a loaded firearm in his vehicle.
According to a release, the Eau Claire Communications Center received a call just after 11 a.m. on April 24 from staff at Putnam Heights Elementary School. The staff reported that a man who was prohibited from the premises was attempting to gain access to the building.
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The individual was identified as Andrey Y. Sichuga of Eau Claire. Due to prior incidents, Sichuga had been formally banned from all district properties.
After denying Sichuga entry, school officials placed the building into a “Secure A” lockdown — a protocol that restricts all entry and exit but allows classes to continue as normal.
Officers located Sichuga as he was leaving the school and conducted a traffic stop. During the initial contact, a loaded handgun was reportedly visible in the vehicle.
Authorities say Sichuga failed to comply with commands to exit the vehicle and had to be forcibly removed. The firearm was secured, and Sichuga was taken into custody.
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He was booked on several charges, including carrying a firearm on school grounds, resisting an officer, and disorderly conduct. He was also cited for trespassing and not having proof of a concealed carry permit.
The incident remains under investigation, and no further information was released.
