An ax-wielding man trying to get into a Florida elementary school just before dismissal was shot and critically wounded by police Friday. (Read More Here).
The unidentified man was spotted trying to get into the locked doors at Ruth Upson Elementary School in Jacksonville at 2:48 p.m. – and even allegedly menaced parents arriving to pick up their kids, according to local reports.
A Duval County school police officer shot the man “at least once” at a nearby church, where cops confronted him for refusing to drop his weapon after he fled school grounds, officials told reporters during at news briefing.
“He was carrying a very large ax,” Duval County Public Schools Superintendent Diana Greene said, according to a News 4 Jax livestream. “We were so proud of our staff, they followed procedures not allowing him in the building.”
Greene sent a third message to parents just before 5 p.m., saying the intruder had been shot by school police down the street from the campus.
“While it is troublesome that the event ended in this way, I am very thankful for the professionalism of our staff who took the steps necessary for the safety of the school community,” Greene stated. “If your student exhibits difficulty coping with this trauma, please know that we will have emotional support resources available.”
Greene said the school’s video surveillance cameras also allowed staff to see the intruder trying to get in and called for the Code Red.
Burton said the man was in critical condition.
The lockdown was eventually lifted for dismissal. Students who attend after school care were held in the school’s media center until pickup.
Casey Scalise, who lives on the block, said he was looking out his window when he saw the man go by.
“I saw a big guy with a big ax,” Scalise said. “I saw a police car race down the other way he walked, then three guns shots and a lot of commotion after that.”
“A woman was coming back this way crying and said, ‘They shot him. They shot that guy,’” Scalise added. “I said. ‘Are you OK?’ And she said, ‘Yes.’ She said, ‘There was a guy after us with an ax.’”
Mayor Lenny Curry released a statement on Twitter that reads:“I have been in contact with @DrDianaGreene. The safety of @CityofJax‘s children has been and remains my top priority. Standing in solidarity today with @DuvalSchools after the incident this afternoon. Grateful everyone at the school is safe and headed home to their families.”
Discover more from KossyDerrickent
Subscribe to get the latest posts sent to your email.
