Four juveniles arrested following Petersburg Police chase that caused school lockdowns
PETERSBURG, Va. (WRIC) -- Four juveniles were arrested following a police chase in Petersburg on Thursday that led two schools to be placed on lockdown. The Petersburg Bureau of Police responded to a commercial burglary in the 3600 block of South Crater Road at around 2:30 a.m. on Wednesday, Nov. 20, where police said multiple firearms were stolen from a business. According to police, a vehicle involved in the incident was identified as stolen and was observed near Petersburg High School on Thursday, Nov. 21. According to Petersburg City Public Schools, police directed Petersburg High School to shelter-in-place while they investigated. Once police arrived on scene, they conducted a search for the vehicle, however, it was not found on school property. Within 10 minutes, police determined there was no threat and cleared the high school to proceed with dismissal as scheduled. Officers reportedly remained on site until all students left the premises safely. According to police, Emergency Communications then alerted officers that the stolen vehicle was seen near High Pearl Street, prompting officers to search the area. According to police, the suspected stolen vehicle was then located in the 900 block of Halifax Street. When officers attempted to make contact with the driver of the vehicle, they drove away and eventually crashed in the 1500 block of Halifax Street. Police said the occupants then exited the vehicle and led officers on a pursuit by foot. Petersburg Public Schools said Cool Spring Elementary was also placed on lockdown as a precaution when the school was made aware that the stolen vehicle was involved in a police chase nearby. Police eventually apprehended four juveniles and recovered stolen firearms following an investigation. According to police, the juveniles involved in the theft have been charged with burglary and theft of firearms with additional charges pending. Following the incident on Thursday, an increased police presence was at Petersburg High School on Friday to ensure the safety of students and staff.
VENN
PETERSBURG, Va. (WRIC) -- Four juveniles were arrested following a police chase in Petersburg on Thursday that led two schools to be placed on lockdown.
The Petersburg Bureau of Police responded to a commercial burglary in the 3600 block of South Crater Road at around 2:30 a.m. on Wednesday, Nov. 20, where police said multiple firearms were stolen from a business.
According to police, a vehicle involved in the incident was identified as stolen and was observed near Petersburg High School on Thursday, Nov. 21.
According to Petersburg City Public Schools, police directed Petersburg High School to shelter-in-place while they investigated. Once police arrived on scene, they conducted a search for the vehicle, however, it was not found on school property.
Within 10 minutes, police determined there was no threat and cleared the high school to proceed with dismissal as scheduled. Officers reportedly remained on site until all students left the premises safely.
According to police, Emergency Communications then alerted officers that the stolen vehicle was seen near High Pearl Street, prompting officers to search the area.
According to police, the suspected stolen vehicle was then located in the 900 block of Halifax Street.
When officers attempted to make contact with the driver of the vehicle, they drove away and eventually crashed in the 1500 block of Halifax Street. Police said the occupants then exited the vehicle and led officers on a pursuit by foot.
Petersburg Public Schools said Cool Spring Elementary was also placed on lockdown as a precaution when the school was made aware that the stolen vehicle was involved in a police chase nearby.
Police eventually apprehended four juveniles and recovered stolen firearms following an investigation.
According to police, the juveniles involved in the theft have been charged with burglary and theft of firearms with additional charges pending.
Following the incident on Thursday, an increased police presence was at Petersburg High School on Friday to ensure the safety of students and staff.
