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Tarrytown, Irvington and Elmsford, New York schools have been placed on lockdown after it was reported that a man with a gun had been spotted in the area.
What happened?
Beginning early this morning around 7:15 AM, it was reported that a man with a gun, possibly dressed in camouflage, was seen in the Tarrytown and Irvington area. Although there was no direct threat to the schools, they were placed on lockout out of an abundance of caution. The Irvington school district released this statement:
“The district was just advised of an active police investigation in Tarrytown where a male with a dark complexion, possibly wearing a camouflage jacket, is being sought and believed to be armed. At this time all schools will enter a lockout mode. Only students and staff will be permitted to enter a school building. Staff will man all entrances to ensure the safety of our students and staff.”
The Elmsford school district posted this message on their website:
“The district was just advised of an active police investigation in Tarrytown where a male with a dark complexion, possibly wearing a camouflage jacket, is being sought and believed to be armed. At this time all schools will enter a lockout mode. Only students and staff will be permitted to enter a school building. Staff will man all entrances to ensure the safety of our students and staff. THERE IS NO THREAT TO THE STUDENTS OF ELMSFORD. We are in communication with the Elmsford Police who are actively involved in securing the Village and Schools.”
According to News 12 Westchester, police say “a man shot his girlfriend at the Sleepy Hollow Gardens at 177 White Plains Road around 7:30 a.m. and then ran off.”
What happens now?
As of 11:30 AM, the schools were still in a lockout. Only students and staff would be allowed in the building and school’s staff would be watching all entrances for suspicious activity. Local police have cordoned off the Sleepy Hollow Gardens apartment complex and monitoring the situation. Police and SWAT teams are currently searching the area for the shooter.
Tarrytown, Irvington and Elmsford New York Schools Lockout Photos
According to NBC 4 New York, “The [Tarrytown and Irvington] school districts serve thousands of students in nine schools from pre-K through grade 12. Irvington alone says it has 7,000 students across its five schools, according to the district’s website.”
UPDATE: Tarrytown police chief John Barbelet has announced in a press conference that the victim of the shooting has passed away at Westchester County Hospital. The suspect remains unidentified and as of 1:45 PM has not been captured by police. Barbelet reiterated that there was no immediate threat to the area but the school districts on lockout until dismissal as a precaution.