Threats trigger 'lockdown' at elementary school

Passersby and parents were alarmed when several city police officers converged on East Elementary school last Thursday in response to several threats made by a non-custodial parent, for the second time in a week, who apparently was intent on removing a child from the school.

Though not considered a full "lockdown" by school district standards, according to District Superintendent Tim McMurtrey, every exterior door of the building was locked, preventing any access to the school.

McMurtrey explained that the District considers a lockdown to happen when individual classrooms are locked, preventing students from moving freely about the school.

The latest threat happened Thursday morning during regular school hours and entrance to the school was restricted as officers provided security for the staff and students and searched for a female suspect.

Mountain Home Police spokesman Rick Viola confirmed that access to the school was restricted until the subject was apprehended and officers maintained a presence inside the building and also around the outside perimeter of the school.

"There were threats made that involved the school though not threats made directly toward school staff," Viola said adding,"but due to the type of custody issue, we are unable to release any more information at this time."

Viola said that no arrests were made and that more details would be released as information became available.

School Principal Jackie Harper referred questions about the incident to the district office saying only that, "We try to be proactive in dealing with situations like this and we do feel it is important to inform the parents but we also don't want to create a widespread panic" when asked if the parents of students attending the school would be informed of the incident.