Huntington Station pre-K lockout lifted after search for stolen car suspect, officials say
Suffolk police searching for a suspect in the area Wednesday afternoon led to a lockout at the Silas Wood pre-K Center in Huntington Station, officials with the South Huntington School District said. Credit: Newsday via Getty Images/Newsday LLC
The search for a suspect the Suffolk police initially believed was carrying a firearm while attempting to steal a car in Huntington Station led to an hourlong lockout Wednesday afternoon at Silas Wood pre-K Center, police and South Huntington School District officials said.
The search was unrelated to school activities, according to district officials said. About 2 p.m. the lockout was modified to allow children to be picked by their parents or guardians. By 2:40 p.m., the district had lifted it.
Suffolk police officers had responded to a report of someone attempting to steal a vehicle in the area near the school, officials with the department said. A man approached a driver with an object that appeared to be a firearm, the police said. The driver wrestled the object from the man who then fled on foot, according to an email to Newsday from the department. An investigation determined the object was not a firearm. There were no injuries.
The police had not announced any arrests.
District officials said police advised the district to place the building on lockout, preventing anyone from entering or exiting the building, as officers with the Suffolk County Department searched the neighborhood surrounding the school.
A Suffolk police helicopter was seen flying above Silas Wood as school officials reassured parents.
South Huntington Superintendent Vito D’Elia announced in an updated message to the schools community tha lockout had ended.
"Most importantly," D’Elia said, "we want to reassure our community that at no time were any students or staff members in danger. The safety of our students and staff will always remain our highest priority. We appreciate the cooperation of the Suffolk County Police Department, as well as the support of our families during the lockout.
Check back for updates on this developing story.
John Asbury is a breaking news and general assignment reporter. He has been with Newsday since 2014 and previously worked at The Press-Enterprise in Riverside, California.
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