Palm Coast, FL - Four schools in Palm Coast were temporarily locked down on Tuesday after deputies responded to reports of a residential burglary on Bunker Knolls Ln. in Palm Coast.
At around 8:20 AM on Tuesday, one resident reported that an armed man forced entry into a home and then left out the back door. At this time, it is unknown if anything was stolen, according to the Flagler County Sheriff's Office (FCSO).
Deputies used K-9's and a Flagler County Fire Flight Emergency Helicopter to search for the suspect. Indian Trails Middle School was put on lockdown at around 8:30 AM, and Belle Terre Elementary School was guarded by deputies while students were being dropped off. Belle Terre Elementary was put on lockdown by 9 AM. Palm Coast United Methodist Christian School and Sunshine Academy were also placed on lockdown.
Deputies searched the area thoroughly and determined that the suspect was no longer in the area, and the school lockdowns were lifted at around 9:43 AM. Deputies are continuing to monitor the area.
The suspect is described as a black man, about 6 feet tall, with short hair, wearing a black hooded sweatshirt, and he is thought to be armed, according to FCSO. Anyone with any information on the case is asked to call FCSO at 386-313-4911. You can also call Crimestoppers at 1-877-277-TIPS. You can remain anonymous and may be eligible for a reward of up to $1,000.
“Our first priority is keeping our residents and children safe. We initiated the lockdowns out of an abundance of caution,” says Flagler County Sheriff Rick Staly. “It is rare that a home invasion is random. In most cases, it is drug related, and our detectives are following every lead we have to make an arrest in this case.”
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