Des Moines Public Schools confirmed Friday afternoon that McKinley Elementary School was placed on “secure status” after a suspect in a stolen car crashed nearby and ran from police. The designation means that no one may enter or leave the building until the situation is resolved.
Police chase ends with crash near school
Sgt. Paul Parizek, spokesperson for the Des Moines Police Department, explained that officers pursued a suspect who was driving a stolen vehicle. The chase ended when the suspect lost control and slammed the car into a pole at the intersection of SE 4th Street and Hartford Avenue, just a short distance from the school grounds.
After the crash, the suspect fled on foot toward the area surrounding McKinley Elementary. Police officers continued to search the neighborhood for the individual, urging residents to remain vigilant and report any suspicious activity.
School remains open for students
Despite the security measures, a spokesperson for Des Moines Public Schools said that classes inside McKinley Elementary continued as normal. Teachers and staff were instructed to keep doors locked and to follow established lockdown protocols while the police worked to locate the suspect.
Parents were notified of the secure status via the district’s automated messaging system and were asked to refrain from coming to the school until officials lifted the restriction. The district emphasized that the safety of students and staff remains its top priority.
Community response and next steps
Local residents expressed concern but also praised the swift response of law‑enforcement and school officials. “We feel safer knowing the police acted quickly and the school took the right steps to protect our children,” said one parent who lives nearby.
Police continue to canvass the area, and anyone with information about the suspect’s whereabouts is encouraged to call the Des Moines Police Department at 515‑xxx‑xxxx.
The incident underscores the importance of coordinated emergency response between schools and public‑safety agencies, a partnership that the Des Moines community has cultivated over years of collaboration.
Original reporting: KCCI Des Moines — read the source article.
