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WICHITA, Kan. (KWCH) – Update: Parents of students at Black Traditional Magnet Elementary School will need to pick up their children at Hadley Middle School on Wednesday afternoon. Wichita police and SWAT are trying to coax a man believed to be armed with a handgun out of his home. The house is located directly across the street from the elementary school.
The district said all students at Black, including those who walk or get dropped off, will be bussed over the Hadley. Parents or an approved person will need to pick up their children from the middle school.
Terry Moses, Director of Division Director, Safety and Environmental Services for Wichita Public Schools, said parents were notified about the dismissal modification via ParentLink. She asked that everyone be patient with the process. Wichita police will help provide traffic control.
Wichita police said the incident began about 12:04 p.m. when ICT-1, a unit that assists people having a mental health crisis, responded to the home located across the street from the elementary school for a welfare check. When the specialized team arrived, the patient they were there to help pulled out a handgun.
Police said the team retreated and requested additional resources. SWAT was called out as a precaution. Negotiators are actively speaking to the patient attempting to resolve the situation peacefully.
Police said the man is alone in his own home, but neighbors were asked to voluntarily evacuate their homes. All but one decided to leave. That person was advised to shelter in place.
Wichita police and SWAT are on the scene of a standoff near 9th and High (Zoo Blvd.).
A spokesperson for the Wichita Police Department confirms they are dealing with a person having a mental health crisis. He said the man is barricaded in a home alone, but police suspect he may be armed.
The spokesperson said the man is being uncooperative with police, and they are taking extra precautions due to the proximity of Black Traditional Magnet School.
A spokesperson for the district said Black has been placed on lockout, meaning no one is allowed inside. Classes will be dismissed on time, and parents have been notified that students are being bussed to Hadley Middle School where they can be picked up.
The police department sent out an alert warning residents about an “active threat” and a “very dangerous situation.”
“Avoid the area if you can, or shelter in place in a safe location. Get to a basement if you can; otherwise, stay away from windows. For more information, monitor local media. Do not call 911 unless you need police, fire or EMS,” reads the alert.
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