FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Poinsett County Sheriff's Office

Contact: Sheriff Kevin Molder

For More Information: (870) 578-5411 or kevin.molder@poinsettcounty.us

(02/11/2020, Poinsett County, Arkansas)

Harrisburg High School and Middle School Lock Down

On February 11, 2020, School Resource Officer Jesse Willey with the Harrisburg Police Department contacted the Poinsett County Dispatch Center and said he was in foot pursuit with a juvenile male student. He further stated the juvenile was armed. At that time, deputies with the Poinsett County Sheriff's Office, officers with the Harrisburg Police Department, Trumann Police Department, and Arkansas State Police were advised of the situation and arrived at the school within minutes of being dispatched. While the school was on lockdown and within minutes of arriving, a perimeter was set up to restrict the juvenile from re-entering. Deputies and Officers were also sent inside to make sure there were no other threats inside.

At approximately 11:50 am, the student was located by deputies and officers in the backyard of a residence on the West side of the school. He was immediately taken into custody without incident. A handgun was recovered a short distance from where the juvenile was apprehended.

The school remained on lockdown with a heavy police presence until approximately 1:15 pm so a threat assessment could be conducted. It was determined by law enforcement and the school administration that there was no longer an immediate threat to the students, faculty, and staff before the lockdown was lifted.

We are currently investigating this incident with every resource at our disposal. Updates will be given as more information becomes available.

I would like to thank the Trumann Police Department and the Arkansas State Police for their quick response to assist us. I would also like to thank all the agencies who offered their assistance. We are blessed to be surrounded by law enforcement agencies who are willing to assist us when needed.

Sheriff Kevin Molder

**** Update - 02/13/2020 ****

On February 12, 2020, another juvenile was arrested in connection with the incident that occurred on February 11th. The 15-year-old male juvenile stole a handgun and took it to school with the purpose to sell it to the male juvenile who was arrested on February 11th. He is currently detained in a juvenile facility and charged with the following:

1.      Handguns - Possession by minor or possession on school   property.
2.      Theft of property.
3.      Breaking or Entering.

I have also included updated charges on the juvenile arrested for the February 11th incident.

1.      Handguns - Possession by minor or possession on school   property.
2.      Aggravated assault.
3.      Terroristic Threatening - 1st Degree.
4.      Fleeing

This investigation is active and ongoing. No other information can be released at this time. Updates will be given as more information is available.

Sheriff Kevin Molder