STRONG — The Strong Elementary School went into full lockdown for one hour Thursday morning after a disturbance resulted in the arrest of a local man.
Christian Richards Franklin County Detention Center photo
“As the result of an agitated individual at Strong Elementary School this morning and out of extreme caution for students and staff, lockdown protocols were implemented,” Todd Sanders, superintendent of School Administrative District 58, wrote in an email.
An investigation by the Franklin County Sheriff’s Office revealed that Christian Richards, 27, of Strong arrived at the school, became agitated with officials, who dialed 911. The school was locked down, according to Sheriff Scott Nichols Sr.
“It is alleged Richards began banging on windows and attempted to force his way into the school,” Nichols wrote in a release.
Richards was arrested by Detective Stephen Charles on a felony charge of terrorizing and a misdemeanor charge of terrorizing “for communicating threats to the school staff,” Nichols wrote in a news release.
The Franklin County Sheriff’s Office responded immediately, Sanders wrote.
“Upon their arrival the incident was addressed and resolved with minimal disruptions to the school day,” he wrote.
The lockdown was “concluded and all students and staff are safe and secure,” according to Sanders.
“I would like to commend our students, staff, and administration for their quick and proper adherence to our safety procedures. Thanks also to the Franklin County Sheriff’s department for their response time and extreme professionalism in addressing this issue,” he wrote.
Richards is being held without bail at the Franklin County Detention Center in Farmington, a corrections officer said. He is expected to appear before a judge Friday.
Lt. David St. Laurent, Lt. David Rackliffe, Charles, Deputies Tyler Gray and Brian McCormick, and Maine State Police Trooper Jed Malcore responded to the incident reported at about 8:12 a.m.
A conviction for felony charge of terrorizing is punishable by up to five years in prison and the misdemeanor charge is punishable by up to 364 days in jail.
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