Two Fort Benning schools locked down after visitor denied entry

Loyd and McBride Elementary schools were locked down at Fort Benning today after a man was denied entry at the Interstate 185 Visitor Control Center.

The wanted man was never located but Fort Benning officials released school children at 3:30 p.m. after authorities thought the man was no longer in the McGraw housing area, said Nathan Snook, a post spokesman.

“They were not able to identify the person and advised us the person does not have a history of violence.,” Snook said. “He is fleeing just to get away. He was not being pursued for any violent crime.”

At the Visitor Control Center, the man first attempted to enter the post but after a background check, authorities attempted to detain him. The man fled toward the McGraw housing area on foot, forcing authorities to lock down McBride and Loyd Elementary along with the Santa Fe Child Development Centers.

During the lock down, parents were advised not to come to the school to pick-up children and no one was allowed to enter or leave the building. A heavy presence of military police was in the area during the search.

This story was originally published March 2, 2016 at 5:48 PM with the headline "Two Fort Benning schools locked down after visitor denied entry."