On April 7, 2017 at 1058 hours, Azusa Police received several reports from citizens of a large cat roaming the neighborhood in the 500 block E. Sixth St. Azusa officers arrived in the area shortly thereafter and were alerted by a nearby resident of a large cat which was up in a tree. Officers checked and confirmed a large mountain lion, approximately 140 pounds in size, was located about 30 feet up a tree in the back yard of a residence. Additional officers responded and evacuated the nearby residential area, Slauson Park and requested that Lee School be placed on lock down for the safety of students and staff.

Department of Fish and Game was notified and responded to the scene. Shortly after 1:20 PM, they deployed tranquilizer darts which were effective in tranquilizing the mountain lion. Officers from The Department of Fish and Game along with Los Angeles County Fire Department developed a plan and successfully removed the mountain lion from the tree. The lion was not injured and was safely removed by The Department of Fish and Game.

Once the mountain lion was safely removed, the lock down at Lee School and nearby evacuations were lifted.