Myrtle Beach police got a call about a suspicious person in front of the Kangaroo store at 3305 North Kings Highway about 12:45 p.m. Tuesday.
They say he had something wrapped in a towel or blanket, and they think it was a rifle or a shotgun.
As the officer approached the man, police say he took off running.
He was wearing black pants and a white shirt.
Myrtle Beach Primary, Elementary, Middle and High schools were put on a modified lockdown.
The younger children weren't allowed outside for recess and, there was strict monitoring of the schools' doors.
The lockdown was lifted at 1:47 p.m.
Police called off the search Tuesday afternoon.
