USD 253 Superintendent Dr. Allison Anderson Harder says the district continues to prioritize student safety above all other matters following a lockdown situation at multiple district buildings and Flint Hills Technical College Wednesday morning.
Following the incident that saw one individual arrested and detained inside the county juvenile detention center, several district patrons commented on a perceived lack of communication between the district and its families. When asked the district’s response to the criticism, Anderson Harder stated that in emergency situations, such as Wednesdays, student and staff safety overrides all other concerns.
According to Emporia Police Captain Scott Stormont, Emporia Police and Lyon County Sheriff’s Deputies responded to Emporia High School for a report of a student carrying a handgun which was later found to be a BB gun. The Emporia High resource officer was pursuing the student in question on foot and upon arrival law enforcement put Emporia High, Emporia Middle School and the USD 253 Transitions Building into a level 2 lockdown.
Flint Hills Technical College was also alerted and went into lockdown procedures and Village Elementary School was placed into a level 1 lockdown as an additional security measure. Officers and deputies searched several nearby businesses and vehicles and eventually located the suspect.
Authorities also located a victim of “aggravated assault” nearby, however, full details on that situation have not been divulged. The suspect was then taken to the Juvenile Intake Center where they remain at last word.
The name of the suspect has not been released and Anderson Harder says it is district policy to not release the names of juveniles due to student confidentiality laws. That being said, Anderson-Harder tells KVOE News the district has a zero-tolerance policy when it comes to weapons inside of district buildings and refers those who would like more information to the district’s student handbook available online at USD253.org.
When asked if the incident would result in a larger conversation on the implementation of metal detectors within schools, Anderson Harder stated the district does not want to limit itself to just one form of safety measure.
Residents also claimed Wednesday the high school’s intercom system was inoperable at the time of the incident due to ongoing construction. Community Relations Director Lyndel Landgren and Dr. Anderson Harder stated that was untrue and the system was functioning properly.
Anderson Harder adds that counseling services are available for all students and staff affected by the recent situation both through district employees and community partnerships. The full interview with Dr. Anderson Harder is available in the Audio Vault.
To here the full interview CLICK HERE.
Noon Wednesday: UPDATE: Suspect in custody following lockdowns at several local school buildings Wednesday; Investigation ongoing through Emporia Police
The Emporia Police Department has released additional information related to the lockdown at several USD 253 Emporia school buildings Wednesday morning.
According to Emporia Police Captain Scott Stormont, Emporia Police and Lyon County Sheriff’s Deputies responded to Emporia High School for a report of a student carrying a handgun which was later found to be a BB gun. The Emporia High resource officer was pursuing the student in question on foot and upon arrival law enforcement put Emporia High, Emporia Middle School and the USD 253 Transitions Building into a level 2 lockdown.
Flint Hills Technical College was also alerted and went into lockdown procedures and Village Elementary School was placed into a level 1 lockdown as an additional security measure. Officers and deputies searched several nearby businesses and vehicles and eventually located the suspect.
Authorities also located a victim of “aggravated assault,” however, full details on that situation have not been divulged. The suspect was then taken to the Juvenile Intake Center where they remain at last word.
No injuries were reported with the incident. The name of the suspect has not been released.
The investigation is still ongoing at this time. Anyone with information that can assist law enforcement are asked to contact Emporia Police by calling 620-343-4200.
10:14 am Wednesday: Lockdowns lifted at Emporia High, Emporia Middle School, USD 253 Transitions, FHTC, Village
The situation that led to lockdowns at Emporia High School, Emporia Middle School and other school buildings has been declared under control and all related lockdowns have been lifted.
Exactly what triggered the lockdowns won’t be announced until the Emporia Police Department issues a news release.
USD 253 Community Relations Director Lyndel Landgren says there was a “potential safety situation” at Emporia High, prompting Level 2 lockdowns at Emporia High and Emporia Middle School, as well as the Transitions department on the Flint Hills Technical College campus around 9 am. The college was alerted so it could start its own Level 2 lockdown, while Village Elementary was put into a Level 1 lockdown as an extra precaution.
Level 2 lockdowns mean all interior doors are locked but students can continue activities in their secured classroom or office areas. Level 1 lockdowns, in Village’s case, meant bringing students inside from outdoor recess because exterior doors are always locked.
Officers, Lyon County deputies and Kansas Highway Patrol troopers went to the high school and combed the business area just east of the school after the lockdowns went into effect. Police Capt. Scott Stormont declared the situation as under control about 40 minutes later.
We’ll have updates on KVOE, KVOE.com and KVOE social media as they are confirmed.
9:10 am Wednesday: Emporia High, Emporia Middle School currently in lockdown
Emporia High School and Emporia Middle School are in a Level 2 lockdown at this time.
USD 253 Community Relations Director Lyndel Landgren confirmed the lockdown shortly after 9 am, meaning the interior doors are currently locked. Additional details are pending, although there is an increased law enforcement presence just east of the high school.
We’ll update the situation on KVOE, KVOE.com and KVOE social media.
