BOSTON -- Newburyport schools were placed in lockdown mode for about ninety minutes on Wednesday after a man carrying a handgun was spotted near a middle school.

NewsCenter 5's Sean Kelly reported that the man, who was wearing camouflage pants, was seen carrying the gun at about 2:30 p.m. near the city landfill. A worker said that the man threatened him by pointing a gun at him.

School Lockdown Over After Man Spotted With Gun

Schools that were still in session were locked down as a precaution. They include the Molin, Bresnahan, and Brown schools, according to Newburyport police. The lockdown was lifted at about 4 p.m.

"I really don't know what to say. You don't know if you believe it in this day and age. Good thing they have drills. I hope someone gets him," one parent said. "You just hope that everyone is taking care of your kids."

The Country Rehab and Nursing Center at 180 Low St. also took precautionary steps and was put in "secure mode."

State police and helicopters are searching for the man. There have been no reports of any injuries. Police said that while it is hunting season, it would be unusual for a hunter to have a handgun.

NewsCenter 5 and TheBostonChannel.com will have more information when it becomes available.