Threatening note prompts evacuation of nearby elementary school in Corona

CORONA, Calif. (KABC) -- Parkridge Elementary School in Corona was evacuated Tuesday after a suspicious person left a note in a van near the school that said the vehicle would explode if anyone opened the door, according to authorities.

Around 10:20 a.m., Corona police received a call that a man needed medical aid and he was unconscious in a car behind a vacant commercial building in the 800 block of N. Main Street.

When authorities arrived, they found a note on the van that said it may explode if someone tried to open it.

"It indicated that there was dangerous gases inside the van, and that the van would actually detonate or explode if the van was moved," Sgt. Paul Mercado with the Corona Police Department said.

The van was also near a mobile home park and apartment complex. The surrounding areas were evacuated.

About 750 students and 80 staff members from the elementary school were taken to Norco High School. Parents were advised to pick up their children from the high school's gym.

Detectives said the man inside the van was dead. Officials are working to determine a cause of death.

All evacuations and street closures were lifted at about 7 p.m.