Three Lakota Schools Briefly Locked Down After Stolen Car Chase; Two Arrested
Three schools in the Lakota Local School District were placed on a brief lockdown Thursday afternoon after a police pursuit of a stolen car ended in a crash nearby.
Lakota Ridge Junior School, Freedom Elementary, and Union Elementary went into lockdown around 2:45 p.m. as a precaution. The district said the lockdown was lifted about 30 minutes later once police confirmed the area was safe.
According to West Chester police, the stolen car crashed near Lesourdsville, West Chester, and Tylersville roads. Officers searched the area and later confirmed two people were taken into custody, at least one of whom is believed to be a juvenile.
The district emphasized that safety procedures were followed, and students were dismissed once the situation was cleared. Those who normally walked home were required to be picked up for their safety.
Every child has the right to learn in a safe environment, free from fear and disruption. Protecting this right means ensuring that schools remain secure spaces where education can continue without unnecessary risk to students’ well-being.
