Melrose Releases Statement on Lockdown

MELROSE, MA — A State Police chase out of Peabody caused two Melrose elementary schools to be locked down Friday morning, Melrose officials said in a press release.

Superintendent Cyndy Taymore and Police Chief Michael L. Lyle said Hoover and Winthrop Elementary Schools were placed on lockdown for approximately 45 minutes after Melrose Police got word from State Police at 10:30 a.m. that the suspect may have been in the Mount Hood area.

Lyle notified the school department, and Taymore called for the lockdown "out of an abundance of caution," the release said.

The lockdown was lifted after State Police gave school officials the all clear.

Melrose Police was stationed at the Hoover and Winthrop Schools during dismissal to reassure students and parents. as a reassurance. Lyle and Taymore stressed that there is no public danger.

State Police said on Twitter its fugitive unit, patrols and K9 were searching for a man with warrants out for him in the Saugus/Melrose area earlier in the day.

"Negative results. Units now clear," MSP tweeted at about 1 p.m.

Helicopters had been circling the area earlier in the morning.

The school sent out a message announcing the lockdown around 11 a.m. Friday morning: