UPDATE:

According to a press release issued by the Knoxville Police Department, at 9:41 am this morning Knoxville Police Officers were dispatched near Northstar Elementary regarding a potential suicidal person. Because of the nature of this call and heavy police presence in the area of the school, a request to implement a Secure procedure for the school was made. When a secure procedure is activated the only thing that changes for  students during the school day is no outside recess. The Secure procedure was cancelled at approximately 12:50 p.m. Procedures such as this are utilized to keep students, staff, and visitors of our schools safe. An investigation was conducted regarding this call. During the investigation, officers spoke with the person, their family, and others.

This incident has been resolved and the investigation is pending at this time. It should be noted that no crime has been committed. It is the department’s belief that the public was never in danger. Details in this release are intentionally vague in an attempt to not inadvertently identify the person or their home and to provide privacy.  The Knoxville Police Department was assisted by the Marion County Sheriff’s Office, Knoxville Fire & Rescue, and Marion County Emergency Management.

 

UPDATE: Local law enforcement has resolved the concern near Northstar Elementary, as of 1:06 p.m. Northstar students will have a normal dismissal, according to Superintendent Cassi Pearson.

“Thank you for understanding the importance of taking additional safety measures out of an abundance of precaution.”

Knoxville Police Chief Aaron Fuller tells KNIA/KRLS the situation involved a suicidal individual near the school. Fuller says the situation has been resolved and there is no active threat. 

ORIGINAL POST AT 12:51 p.m. (12/17/2024):

The Knoxville Community School District has alerted the community to a possible safety concern near Northstar Elementary this afternoon.

From Superintendent Cassi Pearson:

“Due to a potential safety concern in a neighborhood nearby, Northstar Elementary students and staff are staying inside the building until further notice. If the issue is not resolved by mid-afternoon, an adjusted dismissal plan will be shared. Additional information will be shared by 2 PM.”

KNIA/KRLS has contacted the Knoxville Police Department and will be following the situation for more details.