Here's why this North Thurston middle school was locked out last week
Chinook Middle School and other schools were briefly locked out last week after a suspect, fleeing from Washington State Patrol troopers and Thurston County Sheriff's deputies, ditched his vehicle nearby.
That suspect is still at large, said Sheriff's Lt. Mike Brooks on Sunday.
Chinook Middle School families received this message about noon Tuesday, May 20:
'Due to police activity in the area, the Lacey Police Department has advised us to initiate a lockout,' the email reads. 'All exterior doors to the school are currently locked. We are in communication with the Lacey Police Department and awaiting further instructions. Please be assured that all students are safe. We will update you when we have more information.'
The lockout was lifted shortly thereafter, according to a follow-up email from the school.
Sheriff Derek Sanders explained what happened in a social media post, saying that Chehalis police had advised them that the driver of an H3 Hummer, who allegedly was casing houses, then fled north on Interstate 5.
'A short time later, WSP attempted to stop the Hummer and a pursuit was initiated. Near the 110 mile marker, the Hummer slammed on the brakes, turned around, and began driving the wrong way down I-5,' Sanders wrote.
He said the driver crossed the median, fled toward College Street and ditched his vehicle. Lacey police Sgt. Jeremy Knight said Sunday that location was near North Thurston Public Schools' district headquarters, which triggered the lockout.
Other schools in the area also were briefly locked out, a district spokeswoman said Sunday.
According to a photo released by the Sheriff's Office, the man was last seen in a sleeveless black shirt, black short pants, red socks and black sneakers. He also has tattoos on both arms. His hair was tied up in a bun, the photo shows.
Anyone with information about the suspect is asked to call the Thurston non-emergency dispatch line at 360-704-2740.
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