{"id":500092,"date":"2026-10-18T11:43:34","date_gmt":"2026-10-18T11:43:34","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us-ca\/500092\/"},"modified":"2026-10-18T11:43:34","modified_gmt":"2026-10-18T11:43:34","slug":"valley-childrens-hospital-placed-on-lockdown-in-madera","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us-ca\/500092\/","title":{"rendered":"Valley Children\u2019s Hospital placed on lockdown in Madera"},"content":{"rendered":"

\"Exterior<\/p>\n

Exterior views of Valley Children\u2019s Hospital, located along the San Joaquin River in Madera County, Monday, March 1, 2021.<\/p>\n

ERIC PAUL ZAMORA<\/p>\n

ezamora@fresnobee.com<\/p>\n

Update: The lockdown at Valley Children\u2019s Hospital and across campus has been lifted, the Madera County Sheriff\u2019s Office said. The main and emergency department entrances are open. \u201cWe will continue to have an increased law enforcement presence on campus while we closely monitor the situation and continue to support the safety of patients, families and staff.\u201d<\/p>\n

Original story: The Madera County Sheriff\u2019s Office said Valley Children\u2019s Hospital was on lockdown Friday afternoon following threats.<\/p>\n

Deputies and California Highway Patrol officers are on scene investigating.<\/p>\n

\u201cWe ask the public to avoid the area until further notice,\u201d deputies wrote. \u201cAnyone needing immediate medical care is encouraged to seek treatment at an alternative medical facility. For life-threatening emergencies, call 911.\u201d<\/p>\n

Authorities were investigating and Madera County Sheriff\u2019s Office spokesperson Kate Woertman provided an update.<\/p>\n

\u201cBased on preliminary information, investigators believe the threats may have been intentionally fabricated,\u201d she said. \u201cHowever, the investigation remains active and ongoing.<\/p>\n

\u201cWe take every threat seriously. Regardless of whether a threat is ultimately determined to be credible, these incidents are thoroughly investigated. We remain committed to identifying those responsible and holding them accountable for their actions.\u201d<\/p>\n

Woertman said detectives are investigating the source of the phone call.<\/p>\n

More information will be provided when it becomes available.<\/p>\n

This story was originally published October 16, 2026 at 12:36 PM.<\/p>\n

Related Stories from Fresno Bee<\/p>\n


\n \"Profile
\n <\/a><\/p>\n

Anthony Galaviz<\/a><\/p>\n

The Fresno Bee<\/p>\n

Anthony Galaviz writes about breaking news\/sports for The Fresno Bee. He covers the Las Vegas Raiders, high schools, boxing, MMA and junior colleges. He\u2019s been with The Bee since 1997 and attended Fresno City College before graduating from Fresno State with a major in journalism and a minor in criminology.\u00a0
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