Festus R-6 schools went to a “soft lockdown” the morning of May 9 after Festus Police learned a man driving nearby had spoken of suicide.
Police Chief Doug Wendel said the incident occurred about 8:40 a.m. and students were never considered in danger.
“A man who said he had suicidal thoughts was driving near the Festus schools,” he said. “It all worked out well. His girlfriend or wife talked him into seeking treatment.”
He said some information reported online proved to be incorrect.
“There was no weapon,” he said.
Festus R-6 spokesman Kevin Pope said the district went to the soft lockdown, meaning no one could not leave their buildings, but could move around within the buildings, after learning police were searching for “a suspicious person.”
“Students were never threatened,” said Wendel who is also president of the Festus Board of Education.