Little Rock, Arkansas – Harris Elementary School was placed on lockdown Thursday afternoon after a high-speed police chase ended just outside the school, prompting a large-scale search for a suspect who fled on foot.
According to the Pulaski County Special School District, the lockdown was initiated after a vehicle being pursued by an Arkansas State Police trooper crashed in front of Harris Elementary. The driver immediately exited the wrecked vehicle and jumped a fence near the school before disappearing into the surrounding neighborhood.
Authorities from multiple agencies, including the Pulaski County Sheriff’s Office, Arkansas State Police, Jacksonville Police Department, and Cabot Police Department, quickly arrived at the scene to assist with the search.
“The situation unfolded very quickly, and our priority was ensuring the safety of our students and staff,” a district representative said. “We followed all emergency protocols and locked the school down immediately.”
As of 3 p.m., the district reported that it had not received an official all-clear from law enforcement, and the lockdown remained in place out of an abundance of caution.
No injuries have been reported, and school officials said all students and staff were safe inside the building. Officers continued canvassing nearby neighborhoods and setting up a perimeter in hopes of locating the suspect.
Neighbors in the area reported a heavy police presence and were urged to stay indoors as the manhunt continued.
Officials have not released any description of the suspect or the reason for the initial vehicle pursuit. Authorities also have not stated whether the suspect is considered armed or dangerous.
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Parents were notified of the situation through the district’s emergency alert system. Updates are expected once law enforcement provides further information or declares the area secure.
School officials said they are prepared to keep Harris Elementary locked down for as long as necessary and will continue coordinating closely with police.
The Pulaski County Sheriff’s Office has encouraged anyone with information on the suspect’s whereabouts to contact them immediately.
