REPORT OF ‘SUSPICIOUS’ PERSON AT BURTON HIGH SCHOOL RESULTS IN ARREST AFTER BRIEF LOCKOUT

  

A Somerville man has been arrested after a report of a “suspicious” person outside Burton High School led to a temporary lockout this (Tuesday) morning on the campus.

According to a release from the Washington County Sheriff’s Office, deputies responded around 7:15 a.m. to a “suspicious male person” at the high school.  When approached by school resource officers (SROs), the subject stated he was using the school’s Wi-Fi and was waiting to receive a text.

The person, identified as 38-year-old Matthew Way Taylor-Blanchard, was found to have an active parole warrant for his arrest.  The sheriff’s office says he fled on foot to a wooded area behind the Burton Short Stop.  He was taken into custody across the street from the high school gym.

A release from Interim Burton ISD Superintendent Rob Barnwell says the incident prompted a lockout to ensure the safety of students and staff, since the intentions of the suspect were unknown.  A lockout command requires entry and exit doors to be locked in order to restrict entry by a person who may be a threat. 

The district says SROs arrested the suspect within minutes.  He was not armed.

Taylor-Blanchard has been charged with Evading Arrest or Detention and Possession of a Controlled Substance Penalty Group 2 in a Drug Free Zone, as well as a parole warrant for Burglary of a Building.  He remains in custody at the Washington County Jail, with bond amounts yet to be determined.

Barnwell thanks the security team and SROs along with all county law enforcement and first responders who assisted, saying “The entire situation was handled professionally, safely, and appropriately.”

Full press release from Interim Burton ISD Superintendent Rob Barnwell:

Burton ISD security personnel were notified of a suspicious person loitering in front of the high school campus near Main Street at approximately 7:10 a.m. this morning. Burton ISD School Resource Officers responded immediately and began questioning the person to determine his identity and purpose for being present. Unfortunately, during questioning, the suspect decided to flee the scene on foot. Burton ISD Officers pursued him and immediately informed District personnel that a lockout should be initiated to ensure the safety of the students and staff since the intentions of the suspect were still unknown. A “lockout” command requires entry/exit doors to be locked to restrict entry by a person who may be a threat. Burton ISD School Resource Officers apprehended the suspect within minutes. Although the suspect was not armed, several charges are pending.

A situation like this causes a lot of concern, as it should. It also creates some inconvenience regarding our regular routines. However, the safety and security of our staff, students, and visitors will remain our top priority. I want everyone to know I appreciate their patience and understanding.

I want to applaud our security team and SROs for the great job they did this morning. I also want to recognize and thank the county law enforcement officers and first responders who assisted. The entire situation was handled professionally, safely, and appropriately.

Anyone who has additional concerns or questions may contact Superintendent Rob Barnwell by email at rbarnwell@stu.burtonisd.net or by calling the Administrative Office at 979-289-3131.