Authorities have lifted lockdowns placed Wednesday morning at Montclair High School and Renaissance at Rand Middle School while sheriff’s officers chased a suspect wanted on undisclosed charges.
The “shelter in place,” which the district ordered at about 10:30 a.m. his since been lifted, Interim Superintendent Damen Cooper said in a message to the school community. The Essex County Sheriff’s Office was carrying out a “warrant arrest” on Central Avenue, according to police Lt. Terence Turner.
“The suspect ran from and eluded the sheriff’s officers,” Turner said. “As a result, Montclair PD was called to assist, and the area schools were placed on lockdown. The suspect was eventually located hiding in a yard on Midland Avenue and turned over to the Sheriff’s Department. The lockdowns were immediately lifted.”
‘Fugitive Squad’
The sheriff’s office “Fugitive Squad” began the foot chase in the area of Chestnut Street and Central Avenue, police said in an email to the community.
Video provided to Montclair Local shows officers chasing a compact front end loader before the construction vehicle turns into the driveway of a home. The video could not immediately be verified.
Sheriff’s Office spokesperson Nick Bellomo did not immediately have details to share…