A Festus Elementary School third-grader who left the school without permission just before noon today (Feb. 1) was found unharmed after a 45-minute search, Festus R-6 officials reported.
The student left through a door in the back of the school, 1500 Mid-Meadow Lane, said Kevin Pope, the district’s coordinator of communications and special projects.
“The students were being walked as a class and the child made a run for it,” Pope said. “While the teacher called for help, the child was able to get away.”
School resource officers from around the district were summoned to help with the search. Teachers, administrators and Festus Police officers also searched, Pope said.
The child was located hiding under a bush in a small subdivision behind the elementary school and football field, he said.