Three Barrow County Schools went on lockdown Thursday morning after a school resource officer found three intruders inside the high school. Two of the same suspects also entered Jackson County High.
According to officials, just after 10 a.m. on August 3, the School Resource Officer at Winder-Barrow High School made contact with the three adult males. He said they ran from him after he attempted to identify them.
Barrow County sheriff’s deputies and Winder police officers responded to the high school. They immediately surrounded the school in an attempt to locate the intruders.
“As a precautionary measure, Winder-Barrow High School was locked down, as were both Russell Middle School and Winder Elementary School, which are located nearby,” a press release from the Barrow County Sheriff’s Office states.
Authorities searched the high school and perimeter. They lifted the lockdown less than an hour later after determining it was safe. School video camera footage revealed the intruders left in a black car after exiting the building.
School administrators say two of those same intruders entered Jackson County High School on Thursday. In a letter sent home with students, administrators say staff members recognized the two were not students and made contact with them. The intruders then left the building and returned to a vehicle parked on campus.
Video surveillance confirmed their connection to the Barrow County incident.
School officials stressed the safety and security of students and staff is of “paramount importance.” Still, many Jackson County parents took to social media to express their anger that they were not notified of the situation sooner.
Thursday was the first day of school in Jackson County. Barrow County schools opened Monday.
Authorities are investigating both incidents. Anyone with information is asked to please contact Barrow County sheriff’s investigators at (770) 307-3080 ext. 3083.
