DCPS: Man with axe attempted to enter Ruth Upson Elementary School, causing lockdown

JACKSONVILLE, Fla. — UPDATE: The lockdown for Ruth Upson Elementary School has been lifted.

The Duval School Police reported at around 2:48 p.m. that a man with an axe attempted to enter Ruth Upson Elementary School.

The suspect was unsuccessful in entering, with staff also keeping him out.

Doors to the school were locked - per safety protocol. It is reported that this was what prevented the man from getting into the school.

A staff member was able to see the man with the axe trying to get into the school through the surveillance system and initiated the Code Red lockdown.

Duval School Police reports Duval School police encountered the man as he was leaving campus and went to a church.

Duval Schools Police Chief says officers gave the man orders to drop the axe during the confrontation. When the suspect failed to comply the officer shot him.

At this time the identity and mental state of the suspect are unknown.

The suspect is currently in critical condition due to his injuries.

Two investigations are currently underway, with the Jacksonville Sheriff’s Office handling the shooting investigation. Duval School will investigate the suspect and his attempt to enter the school.

The Duval County Public School has released a statement:

Hello Ruth Upson families this is Duval Public Schools calling again.

All students and staff remain safe, and we have lifted the code red for dismissal.

Please pay close attention if your child attends any after-school care in the Murray Hill area.

If so, your child will be held at the school in the media center for parent pick-up.

Again, if your child attends after-school care in Murray Hill, your child will be held at the school until you can come and pick them up.

Thank you, and we look forward to connecting you with your children.

Officials give update on incident that caused school to lockdown

ORIGINAL: Ruth Upson Elementary School has been placed on lockdown due to a suspicious person allegedly carrying an axe outside of the school.

Police have been notified of the lockdown and all children and staff are reported safe.

The Duval County Public School has released a statement:

Hello Ruth Upson families, this is Duval County Public Schools calling.

We want to let you know first that all students and staff are safe. Again, all students and staff are safe.

However, we have initiated our lockdown procedures as a result of a suspicious person allegedly carrying an axe outside of the school.

A reminder, under our lockdown procedures, no one is allowed to enter or exit the school campus.

Police have been notified, and we will follow up with you once the situation is resolved.

Again, all students and staff are safe, the campus is on lockdown, and police are en route.

Action News Jax is on the way to the scene to learn more information.

This is an ongoing investigation and will be updated when details arrive.

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