Superintendent: Dooly County High School students safe after precautionary lockdown

Deputies say suspects in nearby burglaries fled toward the school area, prompting a lockdown that was lifted once the scene was cleared.

DOOLY COUNTY, Georgia (41NBC/WMGT) – Dooly County High School was placed on lockdown Thursday morning as a precaution while deputies investigated reports of burglaries in the surrounding area.

That’s according to a letter from Superintendent Dr. Sherrod Willaford shared on the Dooly County Schools Facebook page, which said law enforcement encountered suspects who fled toward the area of the school. As a result, the school implemented lockdown procedures to protect students and staff.

“The lockdown remained in place until law enforcement provided official clearance that the area was secure,” Willaford wrote. “It was later determined that multiple individuals were involved in the incidents, and preliminary information suggests that a few students may have been connected to the burglaries.”

Dr. Willaford said all students and staff remained safe during the lockdown and that the district continues to cooperate fully with law enforcement as the investigation continues.

“Please know that the safety and well-being of our students and staff remain our top priorities,” Willaford wrote. “We appreciate the patience, cooperation, and trust of our parents, staff, and community as we work together to maintain a secure learning environment for all.”

As of Thursday afternoon, the Dooly County Sheriff’s Office had not commented on the lockdown or burglary.