Joint statement of Athens ISD and Athens Police Department
Just after 11 a.m. this morning, the Athens Police Department informed Superintendent Stiles of the possibility that a wanted fugitive might be in the vicinity of Bel Air Elementary. Acting out of an abundance of caution, all students at that campus were kept indoors. Additionally, a police officer was stationed at the front entrance, with all other points of entry locked as they normally are. No children were in danger at any time, and, except for temporarily being kept off the playground, no changes were made to the students’ routine. The suspect was taken into custody around 12:45 and was never seen on school grounds.
“The district flawlessly executed their safety protocol at Bel Air,” said Athens Police Chief Buddy Hill. “This is the exact reason these plans are important and in place.”
“This is affirmation of an excellent partnership between Athens ISD and APD,” said Superintendent Stiles. “The students continued to go about their day normally, while the police department added an extra layer of security as a precaution.”
For more information, call the Athens Police Department at 903-675-5454.