Southside Elementary secures building after report of a suspicious person in the area

Southside Elementary School locked down its facility Wednesday. The Bartholomew County Sheriff’s Department says that at approximately 11:40 a.m., a motorist in the area  reported seeing a suspicious person waving an object in their hand on County Road 200 South, near the fairgrounds. Upon receiving this information, Southside Elementary staff immediately secured the building and Columbus Police responded and found the individual. Southside parents were notified via school building-specific communication while law enforcement conducted a search of the individual and the area with police dogs.

“BCSC is committed to keeping our students and staff safe at all times. We are proud to be a part of community that cares about our schools and are grateful for our partnership with local law enforcement,” BCSC Communications Coordinator Josh Burnett said.

Columbus Police were unable to say if there were any arrests. We are awaiting comment from the department.