BURKE COUNTY, N.C. — A Burke County school was placed on lockdown Tuesday morning after a man jumped out of a stolen car with a gun and ran behind the school, authorities said.
Channel 9′s Dave Faherty learned that deputies were looking for two men wanted for stealing a car. They spotted the vehicle near Drexel Elementary School at around 9:30 a.m.
Once deputies stopped the car, a passenger got out with a backpack and ran through the parking lot of the school. While running, the man dropped the backpack, which had a gun inside it, officials said.
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A deputy ran after the man, who was eventually found in a wooded area behind the school and taken into custody, authorities said. He was later identified as Brandon Ervin.
“I just want justice and I want to exercise my rights. And I’m pleading the Sixth Amendment,” Ervin said to Faherty as he was being arrested.
Drexel Elementary was placed under a hard lockdown during the search, school officials said. During that time, teachers were told to lock their doors and keep the children in their classrooms. A message was also sent out to families.
“Our folks were ready. Once we were notified to go on hard lockdown, we were able to secure all the classrooms were shut and locked. No students were circulating in the hallway,” said Superintendent Mike Swan.
The lockdown has since been lifted.
Another man still in the car drove away from the school before stealing another vehicle nearby, according to authorities. A short time later, that vehicle ran out of gas and the driver was taken into custody by police near Morganton Public Safety.
Ervin has been charged with possession of stolen motor vehicle. Officials have not said if he will face charges for bringing a gun on school grounds.
“Burke County Sheriff’s Office would take care of it. I had faith in them. They always do their job and I knew they’d protect them here at the school. I have faith in Drexel Elementary,” said Misty Coffey, a student’s grandmother.
No other details have been released. Return to this story for updates.
Full message sent to families:
“Hello Drexel Elementary School families. This is your Principal, Mrs. Gracel, calling to let you know that on the advice of law enforcement, our school is currently on a lockdown due to law enforcement activity in the vicinity of our school. The school campus is secure and our students and staff are safe inside the building as instruction is continuing as normal. We will keep you updated as developments occur. Thank you and have a great day.”
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