SPD: Person in custody after attempting unauthorized entry at school

Image: Sumter Police Department

SUMTER, S.C. (WOLO)– A person is in police custody after trying to enter a Sumter high school without permission, says Sumter Police.

Police say school officials and officers were made aware of an individual who was trying to enter Sumter High School just after 8:30 a.m. on Wednesday, Nov. 12.

When an administrator and an officer approached him, the individual then ran off.

Sumter Police Department officers, and deputies from the Sumter County Sheriff’s Office worked together to set up a search area for the male described in the encounter.

The police says aerial was used and K-9 units were also used to place him in custody a short time later on McCray’s Mill Road.

During the search Sumter High School and the Career Center were placed on lockout as a precaution.

The juvenile who police say is 17 remains in custody and the investigation is ongoing.

Sumter School District officials released a statement:

“We appreciate the cooperation of our students, staff and law enforcement partners as we ensured the safety and security of everyone on campus,” says Acting Superintendent Dr. Shirley Gamble.