Updated: Feb. 6, 8:15 p.m.
Police are reporting that the suspect has been captured.
Updated: Feb. 6, 5:45 p.m.
Police are letting some Lake Jackson area residents return to their homes.
"Not all areas of Lake Jackson are being affected," police spokesman Jonathan Perok said. "If you encounter a police roadblock, please present the officer with your ID to verify your address and they should be able to escort you to your home."
Police report that they are still searching for the suspect and warn that there are limited officers available for escorts.
Updated: Feb. 6, 4:50 p.m.
Precautionary secure-the-building status is still in effect at Bennett Elementary School; however, parents with appropriate identification may pick up their students.
Updated: Feb. 6, 4:00 p.m.
Prince William County Schools officials have announced that the precautionary secure the building at Osbourn Park High Schools has been lifted. The status at Bennett Elementary School remains unchanged.
Original Story:
Students in mid-county schools are in a secure the building status as police search the Lake Jackson area for a violent felon.
Bennett Elementary School and Osbourn Park High School in Manassas are among schools secured as local police actively search the area.
This search has also impacted numerous express buses from schools such as Marsteller Middle School, Stonewall Jackson Middle School and Pennington Traditional School according to a Prince William County Schools spokesperson.
“Students who would normally be delivered to Bennett ES are being held at their base schools,” said a message on PWCS Facebook page. “Parents of these students will be contact and/or may retrieve their students from their base school. Other buses may be delayed as a result. We appreciate your patience."
Irene Cromer, Supervisor of Public Relations for PWCS, said that students are safe.
"Students who ride buses to Bennett ES are being held at their homes schools due to police activity near Bennett," said Cromer, while alternative plans are being made for students who ride express buses.
"Affected middle school students can be picked up at their base school," Cromer said.
According to Prince William Police. the suspect is possibly armed and dangerous, and believed to be on foot.
“Suspect fled following a vehicle pursuit with Manassas City Police Officers in the area of the Prince William Parkway and Tattersall Drive,” said Prince William Police spokesperson Officer Jonathan Perok.
The suspect is 20-year old Earl Patrick Mitchell. He is a black male described as 5’11”, 150 lbs., of thin build with shoulder length dreads and brown eyes. He was last seen wearing a black jacket, blue jeans and black and white tennis shoes.
Mitchell is wanted for homicide out of Pennsylvania and should be considered dangerous.
Perok reports there is a heavy police presence in the Manassas area including multiple K-9's and a helicopter.
"Anyone who sees the suspect, should call the police immediately," Perok said.
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