One person in custody, second fled on foot near Welsh Road border, police said
A traffic stop involving a reported stolen vehicle in Upper Gwynedd Township led to a school lockout of two North Penn schools and an active search for a fleeing suspect Wednesday afternoon.
According to Upper Gwynedd Township Police, the incident began around 2:30 p.m. when Montgomery Township Police stopped a vehicle reported stolen near Sandys Lane and Weber Roads, just off Welsh Road near the township border.
Police said one individual was taken into custody at the scene, while a second suspect fled on foot. The individual was described as a Black male who may be carrying a backpack.
As a precaution, nearby Gwyn-Nor Elementary School and Pennbrook Middle School were placed on lockout status, not a lockdown status, meaning exterior doors were secured while normal activities continued inside.
"No one can enter or exit the building. All students and staff are safe," school district officials said. "Gwyn-Nor and Pennbrook will not be dismissed until we have further information."
Officers, including a K-9 unit, were actively searching the surrounding area for the suspect.
As of 3:10 p.m., school officials said the police activity left the area and Pennbrook Middle School would be dismissed shortly thereafter. Gwyn-Nor was expected to dismiss at its normal time.
As of 3:30 p.m., police confirmed that the search would be wrapping up shortly without successful apprehension of the suspect. The investigation remains ongoing.
Police said there was no danger to the public.
