ALACHUA, Fla. – Schools in Alachua have been placed on lockdown as a precaution while the Alachua Police Department searches for a possibly armed suspect linked to a shooting near Sherwood Oaks and Irby Elementary School. Neither school was involved in the incident.
Update at 1 p.m.: Irby Elementary remains under lockdown. If the situation is not resolved before the end of the school day, the school will conduct a controlled release of students at its regular dismissal time. One person has been detained, but officers continue to search for a second individual. Mebane Middle School has been released from lockdown.
The suspect is described as a Black male between 20 and 24 years old, approximately 6 feet to 6 feet 3 inches tall. He was last seen wearing green clothing.
Residents should expect a heavy law enforcement presence in the area. If you see the suspect, do not approach him. Call 911 immediately.