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Grand Rapids school put on lockdown after fight nearby; two in custody

Posted at 9:45 AM, Apr 25, 2018
and last updated 2018-04-25 11:37:46-04

GRAND RAPIDS, Mich. - A Grand Rapids school was on lockdown after a suspicious incident Wednesday morning.

The Grand Rapids Public Schools tell FOX 17 that staff at the Gerald R. Ford Academic Center at 851 Madison SE noticed a fight going on across the street from the school, between two individuals who were not students or connected with the school.  They immediately instituted a lockdown and contacted police.

After the fight, one of the two individuals ran to the school and tried to get in the front door.  Since the school was on lockdown, that person was not able to get inside.  Police were able to take both individuals into custody a short time later.  The district says that no weapons were found.

Grand Rapids police earlier told FOX 17 that two individuals tried to enter the school and one of the two was holding what was described as a "small pole".

Police say they have both suspects now in custody. The school lockdown has been lifted.  The district says they have sent out robocalls to parents letting them know that all are safe and a letter will be going home to parents.

Below is the full statement from the Grand Rapids Public Schools:

This morning, the staff in the main office at Ford witnessed an altercation between two individuals across the street from the school. They immediately executed our security protocol, contacted police and GRPS Public Safety, and placed the school in a lock down. One of the individuals involved in the altercation attempted to flee from the scene and approached the school. The doors were locked and the individual did not gain entry to the school. Police arrived on the scene and apprehended the two individuals. Contrary to early media accounts, there was no weapon found.

We ran a robocall to Ford parents informing them of the situation and assuring them all students and staff are safe and secure. A letter will go home later today. We want to commend the staff in the main office. They took quick and decisive action in accordance with our protocols and their training.