Suspect remains on foot, presumed to be headed south

By Kyle Troutman ktroutman@cherryroad.com

The Exeter school district was placed on lockdown Friday morning after a police chase ended on foot near the campus.

According to the Barry County Sheriff’s Office, deputies were attempting to stop a vehicle reported stolen out of Arkansas and traveling between Cassville and Exeter.

The suspect abandoned the vehicle near Cass Avenue and Chestnut Street in Exeter, which is a couple of blocks south of the school campus.

“The school was immediately placed on a lockdown as a precaution to ensure the safety of the students and staff,” the Sheriff’s Office said. “After the event was concluded, the school was advised they could resume as normal.”

Det. Doug Henry, with the Sheriff’s Office, said the suspect was possibly last seen heading south via the railroad tracks. He is believed to be leaving the Exeter area, but residents should not leave any keys in vehicles or UTVs.

Tim Jordan, Exeter superintendent, said the Sheriff’s Office called the district’s main number at about 8:45 a.m., and secretaries took the call informing them of the fugitive situation.

“Our lockdown worked very smoothly, and I was happy with how everyone responded,” Jordan said. “We got the call from the Sheriff’s Office and immediately went into lockdown, which we have procedures for, have trained for and have those procedures posted in the rooms. The lights were off and children remained out of sight from the windows. The janitorial staff, office staff and administration then checked all the outside doors to make sure they were locked — they were. We also made rounds through the buildings to make sure no children were in the hallways or bathrooms.

“After some time, Barry County let us know they were pursuing a suspect on foot and were being overly cautious, so they put us on lockdown because of that.”

Jordan said at about 10 a.m., a deputy came to update the district on the situation.

“I think it was great that they did this,” he said. “Instead of me just unlocking it and going out or him coming to the door, dispatch called and told us they were sending a certain officer to the door, whom I recognized, to update us. They did a good job following that protocol. They told us the school was never in imminent danger, but they were being overly cautious. They said at that point we were able to move about the campus, but no one should go in or out.”

Jordan said after that update, school resumed mostly as normal, and staff made rounds again to check on teachers and students.

“Things like this can make people anxious because when we come over the speaker and say go into lockdown, that’s all the information they have,” Jordan said. “Students, and even teachers, even if trained, can get scared in some aspects. The principals and admin team made rounds to assure everyone that no one was on campus and they did a good job following the procedures.”

Due to the suspect still being at large, Jordan said the district remains in a soft lockdown as a continued precaution.