Lockouts Lifted At Towson Schools: Police

TOWSON, MD — Police said that several schools in Towson were temporarily placed on "lockout" status Friday, Sept. 13. The measure was taken as a precaution while investigators worked to find a man who was possibly armed and suicidal, according to the Baltimore County Police Department.

After 3 p.m., police said the man was taken into custody, and the lockout status had been lifted.

Previously, Towson High, Dumbarton Middle and Stoneleigh Elementary schools were on lockout status, police reported at 2:35 p.m, while authorities looked in the 7000 block of Lachlan Court for the man.

The wording indicates the situation is outside the school building and is less severe than one that would prompt a"lockdown," Natalie Litofsky of Baltimore County Police Department's public affairs told Towson Patch after 2:20 p.m.

Essentially, people are not allowed to come into the school.

"When they do a lockout, it's because of some sort of police activity outside of the school, in the neighborhood," Litofsky said. The alert means that outdoor activities are canceled at the moment and new people cannot come into the school.

Here is what Baltimore County Public Schools says about lockout status:

A Lockout is less serious than a lockdown. A Lockout is used during a community emergency that takes place outside of the school building. It is intended to secure access to the building.

• The school facility is secured by locking all doors from the inside.
• All exterior doors are monitored to ensure no one enters or exits the building without permission.
• Staff is posted near the front entrance of the building to allow exit and entrance with identification.
• Outdoor activities are suspended while on a Lockout.
• All classes and activities within the building are conducted normally.

Help for Those Considering Suicide

If you or someone you know is considering suicide, there are resources available to help.

Text your zip code to 898-211 for Maryland Crisis Connect to link you with resources.

Baltimore County also suggests these hotlines for those in crisis:

• Baltimore County Crisis Response System: 410-931-2214
• First Call for Help (all types of referrals): 410-685-0525 or 211
• Grassroots suicide intervention hotline based in Columbia: 410-531-6677
• Maryland Youth Crisis suicide and other interventions:1-800-422-0009
• Family & Children's Services sexual assault and domestic violence hotline: 410-828-6390

The National Suicide Prevention Lifeline is available 24 hours a day at 1-800-SUICIDE (or 1-800-784-2433). Its website offers services including a live chat.