Schools on modified lockdown for apparent standoff in central Columbia

UPDATE: Police said a man with mental issues was arrested at a separate location. They do not believe he ever had a weapon.

ORIGINAL: Part of a road was blocked off Tuesday for an apparent standoff in central Columbia.

Ridgeway Elementary, Jefferson Middle School, Douglass High School and Park Avenue Preschool were all put under modified lockdown as a precaution, which means no one is allowed in or out of the building but classes continue as usual. All students were safe. It was later lifted before 1:30 p.m.

At one point, officers were surrounding a home with their guns drawn trying to get someone to surrender on Mary Street. It is near Sexton Road two blocks west of Providence Road.

It is still unclear why police were trying to speak with the man.