COLUMBIA COUNTY, Fla. — A 15-year-old is facing charges after he was caught driving recklessly Monday morning on a school campus in Columbia County and attempted to run over a deputy who was trying to get him to slow down, according to the Columbia County Sheriff's Office. Deputies said the incident prompted schools in the area to go on lockdown as law enforcement looked for the teen, who fled the scene.
The incident happened at the start of the school day Monday when a school resource deputy working at Columbia High School saw a silver truck speeding and driving recklessly on campus.
The deputy was on foot and attempted to get the driver to slow down. According to deputies, the 15-year-old driver then swerved in the direction of the deputy, "appearing to attempt to strike the deputy with the vehicle."
The deputy involved was not injured, and the suspected vehicle fled the campus.
Investigators were able to identify the teen and alerted other law enforcement in the area to search for him.
After a short time, law enforcement located the suspected vehicle at a residence near SE Baker Avenue and SE Pennsylvania Street, which is directly across from Richardson Sixth Grade Academy.
Since the suspect's motives were unknown at the time, deputies said Richardson Sixth Grade Academy and Melrose Elementary were placed on lockdown as a precaution. Columbia High School was also placed on limited movement while law enforcement looked for the suspect.
Deputies said there are no known threats to the schools at this time.
Investigators said they learned of a possible disturbance involving a firearm near the same residence earlier Monday morning.
The residence's front door was open and after failed attempts to contact any occupants inside, the Columbia County Sheriff's Office SWAT team responded.
The SWAT team located the teen inside the residence and he was detained and arrested on charges of aggravated assault on a law enforcement officer.
The Lake City Police Department and Florida Highway Patrol also responded to assist in the incident.