The gunman who left four dead after a rampage in Northern California Tuesday had attempted to enter an elementary school during his killing spree — but was prevented because the school was on lockdown.

The Rancho Tehama Sheriff said that the staff at the school placed the building on lockdown after hearing “a series of gunshots about a quarter mile away.”

“They went on an immediate lockdown,” the sheriff said during a press conference.

The gunman, who had just shot a parent and child near the building, headed straight for the elementary school with his truck.

“The shooter took his vehicle and rammed their fence and gate and entered the grounds on foot with a semi-automatic rifle,” he added.

“It appears he couldn’t make access to the room and he gave up and reentered the vehicle.”

The shooter drove away and continued his carnage before dying in a shootout with police.