Local schools in lockout out of ‘caution’
UPDATE: 12:51 p.m. Police have the suspect in custody. There is no longer a need to shelter in place. School lockouts have been lifted, and normal activities can resume.
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SPRINGFIELD — Wanted suspects are drawing a large police presence around 13th and F streets and police are asking that residents in that area shelter in place, while nearby schools are in lockout.
“What we have right now is that there is a wanted suspect that we are in pursuit with,” said William Duran, senior trooper with Oregon State Police on the scene. “He got in a car, then on foot, and was last seen in this area,” near 13th and F streets. “We are holding the perimeter and the SWAT guys, the canines, and the drones are doing their thing.”
Duran said that one suspect was believed to be armed, “but we don’t know if he is now,” noting that the agencies are on the lookout for two suspects.
Three schools in the area are on lockout, including Gateways High School Brattain Campus, Springfield High and Dos Rios Elementary.
“There is nearby police activity and so working with local law enforcement that is the reason why we are in lockout,” said Brian Richardson, the public information officer for Springfield Public Schools.
“The students right now are in these lockouts out of an abundance of caution,” Richardson said.
Richardson said the schools “continue to be in constant contact with our law enforcement agencies and partners to ensure that our campuses are safe and continue to have the kids continue their learning … Learning is going to continue as it was planned and scheduled for today. Just nobody in, and nobody out of the buildings.”
Oregon State Police, Eugene Police, Springfield Police and Special Weapons and Tactics Teams are on the scene.
More information will be provided when available.
Ryleigh Norgrove contributed to this report.
