Stafford deputies search for suspicious person, schools placed on lockdown

Schools were placed into a lockdown mode this morning while Stafford sheiff’s deputies searched for a suspicious man.

Deputies received a report of a man with a backpack, and a possible weapon, walking in the area of Porter Library on Parkway Boulevard in North Stafford.

Deputies searched the area but found no one matching that description.

Stafford County Public Schools posted this statement on their Facebook page:

At the request of the Stafford Sheriff’s Office, North Stafford High School, Thompson Middle School and Park Ridge Elementary went into partial lockdown this morning after a report of a suspicious person in our area. During this time, students continued to move within the buildings, but no one was allowed in or out of the buildings. At approximately 10:20 we were advised by the Stafford Sheriff’s Office to change the status to full lockdown. At this time, all activity ceased in the buildings as we awaited instructions from the deputies. We received word that we were to return to partial lockdown at 10:41 and then returned to normal operations at 11 a.m.

A parent who contacted Stafford Local said her child was kept in a classroom with doors locked and lights turned off during the lockdown.

Stafford sheriff’s authorities said they did not find anyone in the area.