ST. LOUIS COUNTY, Mo. – The Mehlville and Lindbergh school districts enacted security measures after a convicted sex offender escaped from Mercy South Hospital Thursday morning.
At the recommendation of the St. Louis County Police Department, the Mehlville School District placed its schools into what’s known as a secure action—all doors were locked and students remained in campus buildings.
Schools in the Lindbergh district, like Kennerly Elementary, which is located across the street from Mercy South, were placed on lockout. The school district received information about the situation just before 7 a.m., after bus routes for middle and high school had already begun.
Dr. Tony Lake, the superintendent of schools, reached out to parents and families via email.
For afternoon dismissal, they are working with local law enforcement to increase security with law enforcement present. Students are urged to stay in groups, remain vigilant, and avoid being alone outside. For those who walk home, students can walk home, but it’s encouraged to arrange adult pickups or group walks.
Buses will run normally; they suggest an adult pickup at bus stops or group walks. Parents can use the FirstView app for real-time bus tracking. Elementary Flyers Club and indoor after-school activities continue; students stay indoors until picked up. All the elementary outdoor activities are canceled.
Middle school indoor activities will proceed, but outdoor activities are canceled. LHS athletics and after-school activities continue with added supervision and security. All evening community education activities and rentals are canceled for safety.
