A bystander's report of a shirtless man with a gun sent multiple Lexington police cruisers to Grace Chapel on Friday, Aug. 7, only for officers to discover the object was a musket-era powder horn being polished by a historical reenactor in the parking lot.

Police received the call at 3:20 p.m. and responded to the church at 59 Worthen Road, locking down the building while children's programs and other activities were underway inside. Officers closed the parking lot and nearby portions of Worthen Road during the response.

A short time later, police located the man. He told officers he had been waiting for his wife, who works at the church, and stepped out of his vehicle to polish the horn because of the heat. The Lexington Police Department described him as an "avid period reenactor."

Security footage from the church confirmed his account, according to police.

The department acknowledged the alarm the response caused. Police said the situation understandably concerned community members, particularly parents whose children were in programs at the time. The department confirmed there was no threat to anyone in the building or on campus.

No charges were filed.

Police did not release the man's name.

The incident, first reported by Patch on Monday, Aug. 10, drew regional media attention. The Boston Globe and MassLive both published stories the same day.

Residents who observe suspicious activity can contact the Lexington Police Department or dial 911 for emergencies.