UPDATE: School Lockdown Over

UPDATE (12/2/08, 11:38pm) -- BY DARIUS RADZIUS, REPORTER, NEWSCHANNEL 11
Those children were locked into High Point Elementary School just outside of Bristol, Virginia when three men entered the school Tuesday. Luckily, every child got out safely.

At first, parents complained that they were being left in the dark about what's going on. Some suggested the school needed more security to begin with. In the end, they were pleased everyone got their child out safely.

"Everybody is safe. Everybody's safe. We have law enforcement in there. There's no one else in the building that's going to harm your child,” said Sheriff Fred Newman, Washington County, Virginia.

"Your children are safe and their in good hands right now," said Superintendent Alan Lee, Washington County Virginia Schools.

"Are you sure he's still not in there?” asked a concerned parent.

"We're positive," Sheriff Newman replied.

The Washington County Virginia sheriff and schools superintendant reassured the parents while inside, teachers were focused on the kids.

"The teachers were probably concentrating on reassuring the children that they are safe and are in no danger," said Lee.

Three men entered High Point Elementary School around noon Tuesday. One man entered twice. Each time, he was accompanied by a different man. Superintendant Alan Lee says they asked to use the phone.

"They weren't letting them do that, but he was persistent in doing what he wanted to do," said Lee.

That's when the principal alerted the teachers to go into lockdown mode.

"We've trained for this. This is the first time we've ever had to use this," said Lee.

The sheriff's department responded to the call along with state police and other area law enforcement.

"One was in custody inside. The other fled the scene and he was taken into custody shortly afterward," said Newman.

Police hunted for the third man.

"We do have what we believe to be a white older model Chevy Caprice with one white male who was the driver who fled the scene," said Sheriff Newman.

Tammy Gillen came to pick up her daughter early from school to take her to a doctors appointment.

"When I came here I saw all of this," said Gillen.

Police would not let her in, did not tell her what is going on, and she couldn't talk to her second grade daughter.

"I panicked. I cried. I called everyone i know," said Gillen.

Three hours later, parents and their kids left school relieved all are safe.

School officials say the three men never made any threats, they were just persistent. One was bleeding and believed to be carrying a knife. School and law enforcement say they're pleased with everyone's response and cooperation.

Tuesday night, the school superintendant went to the school board to ask for automatic locks for the front doors for all county schools.

The sheriff's department continues to search for the lone man who got away. If you know who that man is or have any other information about today's incident, the sheriff's department wants to hear from you. Their telephone number is (276) 642-5600.

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UPDATE (12/2/08, 5:39pm) -- THIRD STATEMENT FROM WASHINGTON COUNTY VIRGINIA SCHOOLS SUPERINTENDENT

Good evening,

The High Point Elementary staff and principal, Ms. Ann Cunningham, are to be commended for their professional and effective response to the intruder at their school. They acted quickly to secure their students in safe locations and to calm the worries of the children. Our community owes them a big thank you.

The members of the Washington County Sheriff's Office, Sheriff Fred Newman Virginia State Police, and First Sergeant Mike Willis, who responded, too, were effective and quickly changed the atmosphere of worry to one of security. I thank all of those who came to help for their professionalism and competence.

Our children were amazing in how they reacted and cooperated. High Point's teachers expressed their admiration for the student demeanor during the incident.

I would like to thank the parents whose cooperation permitted the law enforcement and school staff to do what was necessary to assure the safety of students and staff. Those who arrived at the school were patient and supportive, as were those who waited at home and at work.

High Point Elementary will be open for school tomorrow. Additional counseling staff will be present to talk with children who may be worried about being at school. School Resource Officers will be present, too.

Alan T. Lee
Superintendent

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UPDATE (12/2/08, 2:05pm) -- SECOND STATEMENT FROM WASHINGTON COUNTY VIRGINIA SCHOOLS SUPERINTENDENT

The situation at High Point Elementary School is safe. All children and staff are accounted for. There are no injuries nor was there a threat to any of the children or adults by the intruder. Law enforcement continues to make certain that the perimeter of the school is secure. Students are leaving the gym going back to their classrooms. Teachers will be talking with their students. We will be releasing students at the normal time today. Parent pickup of students will be handled in the normal process.
We will transport students by bus as usual. Access to the school grounds is currently unavailable. If grounds are opened prior to normal dismissal, you will receive another e-mail.

Dr. Alan T. Lee, Division Superintendent

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UPDATE (12/2/08, 1:15pm) -- STATEMENT FROM WASHINGTON COUNTY VIRGINIA SCHOOLS SUPERINTENDENT

High Point Elementary School had an intruder this afternoon that refused to leave the building. Principal Ann Cunningham instituted the emergency lockdown procedures. Law enforcement is on the scene making certain students and staff are safe. All staff and students are ok. Parents should not attempt to pick up their children as law enforcement has restricted all access to the grounds and the facility. I will release more information when it is available.

Dr. Alan T. Lee, Division Superintendent

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Parents want answers tonight after a Tri-Cities area school was placed on lockdown.
The lockdown happened around noon today when an intruder was reported at Washington County, Virginia's High Point Elementary School.
For about three hours, no one was allowed in or out of the school.
Sheriff's deputies swarmed the school searching it inside and out. They were looking for three men who entered the school around lunch-time. When the men refused to leave the principal alerted teachers to lock down.
Police caught two of the accused intruders, and parents were allowed to pick up their kids at around 3:00pm.
Tonight at 11, News Channel 11 will have a complete report of what happened and the changes the school already has in store to beef up security.