Gretchen Higgins Elementary School was on lockdown this morning because of police activity in the neighborhood.
A letter from DUSD Superintendent, Brian Dolan explained, "Just before 11:00 A.M., Principal Tracy Linyard noticed law enforcement personnel in the area around the school. She stepped out of the office to ask an officer what was happening and he motioned for her to return inside. She asked if the school should go into lockdown and he said yes. That was the extent of communication Tracy had from law enforcement about the situation. Tracy gave the shelter in place direction over the intercom and the site went into lockdown.
According to Dixon Police PIO, Nathan Steele, officers made a vehicle stop in the area around the school, and the suspect fled on foot, stating, "The school and officers erred on the side caution, keeping the kids inside".
Steele reports, a perimeter was established and a search failed to locate the suspect; officers are still working to identify the suspect.
Dixon Patch reader Jennifer DeDora, whom was in the at the time, reports, "We saw a police officer with his gun drawn," clarifying, "By drawn I mean, out of his holster, in his right hand held out at an angle walking up a driveway on Gill Ct."
Gretchen Higgins was lockdown for approximately 15 minutes, according to the school office, and report there was no incidence of intruder on the campus.
"As is always the case, events like this morning’s give us the chance to see how we handle these kinds of situations and what we can do to improve on our responses," said Dolan, "We are already in the debriefing mode and will make adjustments to our procedures as necessary."
Did you see any of the activity?
Parents: Did you receive an an automated phone call from the school letting you know the incident was over, or only to inform you that the lockdown was taking place?
Get more local news delivered straight to your inbox. Sign up for free Patch newsletters and alerts.
