Lake Ozark suspect in custody following manhunt

A suspect in a manhunt around Lake Ozark has been caught Thursday afternoon following a manhunt.

School of the Osage District Officials tell ABC 17 News they placed Heritage Elementary on lockdown following a manhunt near the Lake of the Ozarks.

Police say around 1:20 Thursday morning they were doing traffic stop by the Breaktime in Lake Ozark. A passenger jumped out and ran, but they lost him because it was dark. He has several warrants out for rape, drugs and violating his parole. He was also supposed to register as a sex offender, but has not.

Around 9 a.m., officers actually saw him in the area, and that is when they notified the school. They asked for a helicopter and a boat from the highway and water patrol. The Miller, Morgan and Camden sheriff’s departments are also involved.

District officials say police secured the school and students were sent home with extra safety precautions in place.

Stay with ABC 17 News as we continue to gather more information on this developing story.