INDEPENDENCE TOWNSHIP, Mich. (FOX 2) – Clarkston Community Schools has lifted its shelter in place order after an morning pursuit involving alleged gang members and federal police.
The Oakland County Sheriff’s Office informed the school district that ICE officers were in the area searching for two individuals. The school said at the time it would be keeping students and staff in their buildings.
The immediate response has since ended and any remaining officers are sticking around only as a precaution.
The superintendent said Wednesday afternoon that schools have resumed class and operations as usual.Â
What we know:
The Oakland County Sheriff’s Office were notified about federal police activity in the area of Independence Township on Wednesday morning.
Several sheriff’s deputies were spotted at the entrance of the Pine Knob music theater, blocking access.
A statement from the department said they were told about agents pursuing “reported gang members” who had fled on foot near an elementary school in Independence Township.
“Out of an abundance of caution, the school initiated a shelter-in-place. We immediately deployed resources to protect the students, staff and surrounding community, and to assist in the search for the suspects,” according to public information officer Stephen Huber.Â
The suspects have not been located.Â
Local perspective:
Shortly after the police presence grew, an email was sent to parents of the school district obtained by FOX 2 notifying them of the order they were sheltering in place.
It was lifted at 11 a.m.
An email sent from the Clarkston School District superintendent to parents.Â
Police plan to remain in the area of the elementary school until all students have been dismissed for the day.Â
A statement from Superintendent Shawn Ryan said sheriff’s deputies had been asked to assist federal agents searching for suspects in the area of Sashabaw and Clarkston roads at the time.Â
The Source: An alert from Clarkston Community Schools was cited for this story.Â