Shelter in Place lifted at Atascadero Middle School
Update posted May 15
The Atascadero Police Department released the following update regarding the foot pursuit that occurred Tuesday:
Approximately 1:19 this afternoon, patrol officers were dispatched to the area of Chalk Mountain Liquor regarding a suspicious person. A white male adult with a Dodger jersey was seen removing a license plate to a pickup truck. The suspect removed the entire front license plate and partially removed the rear plate. A bystander was able to provide the license plate to APD Dispatch and they were able to run the license plate provided. It was found to belong to a stolen vehicle out of Buellton.
Officers responded to the area and located the vehicle on El Camino Real and Hwy 41. Officers initiated a traffic stop on the vehicle and a short vehicle pursuit ensued. The suspect vehicle traveled on Lewis Ave. near the Atascadero Middle School and subsequently crashed into a tree. The suspect fled on foot into the creek bed by the Lewis Bridge. Officers established a perimeter and additional resources from the SLO Sheriff Canine Unit, as well as the Highway Patrol helicopter. A search of the creek bed with the use of the K9 located the suspect and he was taken into custody without incident.
At this time, the suspect is refusing to identify himself. With an overabundance of caution, a shelter-in-place was activated at the Atascadero Middle School during this timeframe.
Original story posted May 14
Earlier today, a shelter in place was ordered for Atascadero Middle School, Atascadero Fine Arts Academy and STEPS, according to a text message sent out just after 2 p.m. by the Atascadero Unified School District.
The shelter in place was lifted as of 3 p.m. according to the Atascadero Unified School District. The suspect appears to be in custody, according to reports.
Atascadero police posted the following on social media:
The shelter was ordered because of a foot pursuit of a suspect in downtown Atascadero, that reportedly began as a pursuit of a stolen vehicle. A CHP helicopter assisted in the pursuit.
