ARDEN, N.C. (828newsNOW) — Arden police activity prompts school lockdowns, dismissal changes
ARDEN, N.C. (828newsNOW) — A reported home break-in that sent a person fleeing from law enforcement Monday afternoon prompted a large police presence in Arden, perimeter lockdowns at several schools and changes to afternoon dismissal.
The Buncombe County Sheriff’s Office urged residents near Glenn Bridge Road, Bradley Branch Road and New Rockwood Road to stay inside their homes and call 911 if they see anyone or anything suspicious.
A sheriff’s office spokesperson said the law enforcement activity began after a person reportedly involved in a home break-in fled from officers.
Buncombe County Schools confirmed that seven schools and programs were placed on perimeter lockdown because of the law enforcement activity.
The affected schools are:
- Avery’s Creek Elementary School
- Estes Elementary School
- Glen Arden Elementary School
- Koontz Intermediate School
- Valley Springs Middle School
- T.C. Roberson High School
- Progressive Education Program, which is housed at Roberson
The lockdowns also affected afternoon dismissal.
A school district spokesperson said students being picked up by car would be allowed to leave, but buses and students who walk home were being held while school officials worked with law enforcement to determine when they could safely leave.
The district was notifying parents of the dismissal changes Monday afternoon.
The sheriff’s office confirmed that the incident was not connected to Saturday’s double homicide on Pine Needle Lane in Arden, where two men were found shot to death.
Authorities have not released a description of the person who fled or additional details about the reported break-in.