Suspicious Vehicle Sparks Alert at Irmo Elementary School
IRMO, S.C. — It was an ordinary Friday morning at H.E. Corley Elementary School until a bit of excitement broke out when a man was arrested on school grounds. Just around 9:15 a.m., the scene quickly turned from peaceful to somewhat chaotic when a school resource officer (SRO) noticed a suspicious vehicle parked near a play area.
Officer Steps In
As the SRO approached the vehicle, she asked the driver and the other occupants to leave. However, the officer’s instincts kicked in when she caught a whiff of marijuana coming from inside the car. Realizing that something wasn’t right, she called for back-up units to come and assist her before instructing everyone in the vehicle to exit.
A Hasty Escape
At this point, things took a turn for the dramatic! Two of the individuals in the vehicle made a break for it and ran away, while the remaining two were taken into custody without incident. Concerned for the safety of the children at the elementary school, H.E. Corley’s security team moved quickly to secure the campus.
Quick Response and Safe Outcomes
Shortly after the incident began unfolding, Irmo police were able to spot the two individuals who had fled the scene. They were located at a safe distance from the school, which allowed the school to lift the security status by around 11:20 a.m.. Thanks to the swift actions of law enforcement and school authorities, all students remained safe throughout the whole operation.
Details of Arrest
Among those taken into custody was 22-year-old Javon Quattlebaum, who now faces a slew of charges, including possession of marijuana, possession with intent to distribute cocaine, giving false information to law enforcement, disturbing the school, and trespassing after notification/refusal to leave. The second suspect detained was a juvenile, who was released to their parents without facing any charges at this time.
Search for Runaways
As for the two men who made a hasty exit from the scene, deputies along with Irmo police chased them on foot but weren’t able to track them down. According to officials, they do not believe that the two individuals at large pose any immediate threat to the Irmo community. However, they are urging anyone who might have information about the incident to contact Crimestoppers anonymously at 888-CRIME-SC (888-274-6372).
Community Remains Vigilant
As the dust settles from the commotion, the residents of Irmo are being reminded of the importance of community vigilance. It’s crucial for everyone to stay alert and report any suspicious activity to keep their schools and neighborhoods safe.
This incident at H.E. Corley Elementary serves as a reminder of the unexpected occurrences that can happen even in seemingly tranquil environments. Thankfully, the swift action of school officials and law enforcement ensured that the day ended on a safer note for both the students and the staff.
As always, it’s beneficial for everyone to remain aware of their surroundings and communicate any concerns or observations. Stay informed, Irmo!
