(Update 5:48p): The man who caused a lockdown Tuesday morning at an Auburn school has been arrested.
According to police, students at Casey Park Elementary were outside the school around 9:47a for a demonstration by Auburn firefighters as part of Fire Prevention Week.
As children made their way back to class, Jeffery Sanders Jr was seen running down Pulaski Street toward a firetruck parked in front of the school. He then turned and ran through the school’s front doors, making contact with several kindergarteners, knocking at least one to the floor and causing a small area of swelling to their head.
While running into the school, the 36-year-old Auburn man tripped and fell. He was then quickly contained by members of the fire department and ambulance service along with School Resource Officer Flickner. Flickner then advised the principal to place the school into lockdown as she attempted to place Sanders into handcuffs.
He resisted but was able to be detained with the assistance of fire and ambulance crews. During this time, a pocket knife was found and removed from his pocket.
Sanders was taken to Auburn Community Hospital for minor injuries sustained at the school. He was then taken to Auburn Police headquarters to await arraignment.
Police believe he may have been suffering from a mental health episode and had not intended to hurt any children.
Sanders was charged with Criminal Trespass, Endangering the Welfare of a child, and Obstructing Governmental Administration, all misdemeanors.
(12:48p): One Auburn school was placed in lockdown Tuesday morning after a man entered the building.
According to school officials, students a shelter-in-place was issued at Casey Park Elementary School for student safety while the man, who was suffering from a mental health crisis, was apprehended by police.
“I’d like to thank the Auburn Police Department and Auburn Fire Department for resolving the issue quickly,” said Auburn Enlarged City School District Superintendent Jeff Pirozzolo in a news release. “Thank you to the administration, staff and students at Casey Park for following lockdown protocol perfectly and ensuring everyone’s safety.”
