Pursuit prompts modified lockdown at schools

UPDATE, 5:10 p.m.: Authorities arrested 55-year-old Christopher H. Simms in connection with the incident this morning, according to the Boone County Sheriff’s Department. When deputies arrived at Simms’ house this morning, he fled in a vehicle, Detective Tom O’Sullivan said. The chase lasted about 30 minutes, after which deputies arrested Simms who posted bond this afternoon.

ORIGINAL: Five Columbia Public Schools buildings were put on lockdown as Boone County deputies pursued a suspect Wednesday morning in east Columbia.

CPS spokeswoman Michelle Baumstark said Cedar Ridge, New Haven and Battle elementary schools, Battle High School and the former Cedar Ridge building on Roseta Avenue were put on modified lockdown at about 9:35 a.m., meaning no one was allowed into or out of the buildings. All CPS buildings are locked at all times.

The lockdown was quickly lifted. It didn’t alter any of the routines inside the school buildings, Baumstark said.

ABC17 has contacted the Boone County Sheriff’s Department for more information about the pursuit.