That working lockdown across Monongalia County’s school district on Wednesday left some parents concerned for a time – but Superintendent Eddie Campbell said it couldn’t have happened any other way.
“No one knew exactly where he was in the county or where he was going,” Campbell said that afternoon.
He was referring to a suspect tagged by the Monongalia County Sheriff’s Department: a suspect who was driving in his car while allegedly making “terroristic threats,” Campbell said.
“No threats were made against any school or any student or any teacher,” the superintendent said. “I want to stress that.”
However, there was also the stress of a person out there, Campbell said, who could have steered into the parking of any school – while armed, and with an agenda.
“The sheriff’s office advised that we put every building on lockdown , and of course that’s what we did,” he said.
The call for deputies to be on alert went out at 11:30 a.m., and minutes later, all of Mon’s schools were operating on a working lockdown.
“We’re good at this because we have to be good at this in today’s climate,” the superintendent said. “I’m proud of how well everyone handled it and how quick they responded.”
The working lockdown meant classes were still on, Campbell said.
It also meant no recess outdoors and no visitors, he added. School safety officers were also on heightened alert.
“We had an accounting of every kid in the building,” Campbell said, “and we do that anyway.”
Deputies stopped and detained the suspect without incident at 1:27 p.m., Sheriff Todd Forbes said. At 1:31 p.m., the suspect was in custody. No other details were immediately available, as the case remains under investigation, the sheriff said.
“Our quick response, collaboration with our school safety officers and decisive action allowed us to apprehend the suspect swiftly and ensure the safety of the community,” the sheriff said.
“This is a testament to our commitment to stopping problems before they escalate.”
Over his career, Forbes had also patrolled the county’s school buildings as a safety officer before running for sheriff.
“When it comes to keeping students, it’s no stone unturned,” Campbell said. “Parents entrust their kids to us. Every day.”
