Crime & Safety
UPDATE: Police ID Suspect Who Prompted Schools 'Secure Mode'
The search for a drug suspect led to 4 Southington schools being placed in 'secure mode' on Wednesday.
Updated: 4:55 p.m.
SOUTHINGTON, CT - A suspect who fled from a bail enforcement agent prompted an area search by two police departments and placing four Southington schools in 'secure mode' on Wednesday.
Southington Police have released a photo of the suspect who they said is wanted for drug-related charges. The search for John Sample, 29,of 360 Burritt St., Southington, prompted police to place Plantsville Elementary, Derynoski Elementary, Alta, and Kennedy Middle schools in a 'secure mode.'
A secure mode means no one could enter or leave the schools.
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"The search and lockdown was called off at 12:06 pm. John Sample was not located; however, officers will continue to patrol the area," police said in a statement Wednesday afternoon.
According to police, it all started at 9:49 a.m. March 9 when Southington Police conducting a traffic detail in the area of 400 Burritt Street were approached by a Bail Enforcement Agents who said that he had attempted to serve a warrant on Sample who ended up fleeing on foot.
The Meriden Police Department had an active failure to appear warrant for Sample. And Southington Police Department holds three drug-related arrest warrants for Sample.
Officers from the Southington Police Department assisted in the search for Sample. The Cheshire Police canine Unit also helped in the search.
The incident started in the area 400 Burritt Street and extended to the area of West Center Street at its intersection with Bristol Street, prompting the school lockdowns, according to police.
Anyone with information on the whereabouts of John Sample contact the Southington Police Department at 860-378-1600.
Original story: 11:42 a.m. Wednesday.
Four Southington Schools reportedly have been advised by police who are looking for a ‘person of interest’ in Southington to enter a ‘secure mode’ as a precaution.
No one is being allowed to enter or leave Plantsville Elementary, Derynoski Elementary, Alta, and Kennedy Middle schools, according to WTNH and WFSB.
Classes are continuing as scheduled, according to the WTNH story that can be found here.
The WFSB story can be found here.
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