MONTICELLO, Iowa (CBS 2/FOX 28) -- Monticello schools were locked down for a short time Thursday afternoon. In a bulletin on the school's website, officials say they withheld students from leaving the school due to a "law enforcement concern."
Superintendent Chris Anderson tells CBS 2/FOX 28 News that students outside for recess at Sacred Heart School saw two males dressed in black walking across the street from the school. One of them had a large knife in a sheath strapped to his belt.
The school notified authorities, and all Monticello schools were placed on lockdown while police searched for the two subjects. Officers at first did not find the subjects, so an officer was stationed at each school building while students were taken out of lockdown for 3:00pm dismissal.
An officer posted at Central Middle School then saw the two males, and the two were quickly taken into custody without resisting. A 28-year-old man did not have any weapons, and was later released.
The other person, a 17-year-old boy, had two knives, and was arrested. Charges are now pending against him for going armed with a dangerous weapon.
A preliminary investigation found the boy carrying the knives did not intend to pose a threat or cause concern. Police say no direct threats were ever made to any staff or students.
Superintendent Anderson added, "Children were never in danger, but we still want to make absolutely sure."
As a result of the brief lock-down, the school said bus routes would run a few minutes late while getting kids home.
