I was subbing at Holgate this fine morning, so I missed the last-day-of-school lockdown at Aberdeen Central High School. Just ten minutes before school was to let out for the summer…
On the morning of 05/24/2018 the Aberdeen Police Department was notified that a 15 year-old male had escaped the McCrossan’s Boys Ranch in Sioux Falls, SD. It was believed that the juvenile had stolen a truck from Crooks, SD and that there were two loaded pistols present in the vehicle at the time of the theft. Given that the juvenile was from the Aberdeen area, police here were on the look-out for him and the vehicle.
At approximately 11:35 am on 05/24/2018, an Aberdeen Police School Resource Officer observed the stolen truck attempting to leave the parking lot of Central High School (at this time CHS was notified and went into lock-down). An officer attempted to stop the truck as it turned southbound onto S Roosevelt Street. The suspect then led officers on a short vehicle pursuit which resulted in the truck coming to rest in a field just south of 135th Street as thick cattails impeded further progress.
At approximately 11:58 am the suspect surrendered to law enforcement and was taken into custody without further incident. Both weapons were located and seized. Police determined that no threat remained and the school was notified (lock-down was lifted).
Charges are pending against the juvenile and no injuries were reported as a result of this incident.
Investigation has shown that the juvenile suspect had not entered the school at any time [Aberdeen Police Department, Facebook post, 2018.05.24].
Quick takes based on this initial information from our local blues:
- No one shot anyone. Be cool, everybody.
- This kid doesn’t sound like a crazed gunman. The police text strongly suggests the truck was the object of the theft and the two loaded pistols were just along for the ride.
- Two loaded pistols—Hey, truck owner! Didn’t you learn from last week’s school shooting in Texas what happens when you leave your guns out where kids might grab them?
- Two loaded pistols—Hey, truck owner! Why are your pistols (a) loaded, (b) unattended, and (c) in your vehicle? And whatever it is you anticipate shooting, do you anticipate needed to shoot with each hand, or is the second loaded pistol a courtesy heater for your passenger?
- Cattails. Don’t mow your cattails. They improve water quality and catch bad guys.
Morons that don’t know how to take care of their weapons should not be allowed to have them!
Debbo,
What is the difference from breaking into a vehicle versus a house?
Jason,
So you are telling us you do not keep your weapons locked down safely no matter where they are? Good to know.
Indeed, Debbo. Leaving a loaded pistol lying around unattended is as irresponsible as leaving power tools plugged in, or leaving a ladder up on the worksite when you go home. The only reason to have ammo in a gun is the user is present and use is imminent.