Panola County, Texas – On Thursday morning, Gary Elementary School entered a soft lockdown after deputies arrested a driver who was wanted on a felony indictment. The incident began around 10:45 a.m. when a rider on a horse traveling County Road 176 called the Panola County Sheriff’s Office to report that a vehicle had swerved as if attempting to strike her.

Verbal altercation leads to police response

According to the sheriff’s office, the rider and the driver engaged in a heated verbal exchange over the phone. The driver told officers he was on his way to Gary Elementary to have lunch with his children. Deputies were dispatched to the school to locate the individual.

Driver identified and detained

Deputies found the driver, identified as Jacob Spurlock of Gladewater, on the school grounds. A records check revealed that Spurlock had an active Panola County grand‑jury indictment warrant for assault on a family member by impeding breath. When deputies attempted to escort him outside for arrest, Spurlock became combative, leading to a brief struggle before he was taken into custody and booked into the Panola County Jail.

School safety measures activated

Gary Independent School District immediately placed the campus on a soft lockdown protocol to ensure the safety of students and staff while law‑enforcement secured the scene. The lockdown was lifted shortly after Spurlock was removed from the premises.

Community response

Parents and teachers praised the swift action of the sheriff’s office and school administrators, noting that the rapid response helped prevent any potential harm to children. “We are grateful for the professionalism of our deputies and the clear communication from the district,” said one parent who wished to remain anonymous.

Law‑enforcement statement

Panola County Sheriff’s Office spokesperson emphasized that the department will continue to monitor threats to school safety and act decisively when warranted. “Our priority is always the safety of our students and staff,” the spokesperson said. “We encourage anyone who observes suspicious behavior to report it immediately.”

What’s next?

Spurlock remains in custody pending a court appearance on the assault indictment. Gary ISD will conduct a review of its lockdown procedures to ensure readiness for any future incidents. The district also plans to hold a community meeting next week to address parental concerns and discuss additional safety measures.

Original reporting: KLTV 7 Tyler (news) — read the source article.