Press release from Fayette County School Corporation

May 21, 2026

Fayette County School Corporation Families,

This morning, Fayette County School Corporation officials were notified of a police-involved incident in the immediate vicinity of Connersville Middle School. The situation did not involve any FCSC students, employees, or stakeholders; however, due to the proximity of the incident and out of an abundance of caution, Connersville Middle School, Little Spartan Preschool, and Grandview Elementary School were immediately placed on lockout status while law enforcement responded.

According to the Connersville Police Department, officers were dispatched at approximately 8:30 a.m. to the 200 block of West 19th Street regarding a burglary in progress. Upon arrival, officers encountered a suspect who fled on foot toward the Connersville Middle School area. During the pursuit, the suspect reportedly produced what was believed to be a firearm and pointed it at an officer. In response to the perceived threat, an officer discharged his service weapon. A Connersville Police Department K9 unit was deployed and successfully apprehended the suspect without further incident.

We have no reason to believe the suspect intended to enter school property. However, given the rapidly evolving nature of the situation and the suspect’s movement toward the school area, we are extremely grateful law enforcement was able to stop and apprehend the individual before the situation could escalate further.

Throughout the incident, school administrators remained in close communication with local law enforcement to ensure the safety of students and staff. An FCSC School Resource Officer from the Fayette County Sheriff’s Department was present at Connersville Middle School during the incident. Once authorities determined the situation was isolated and there was no further threat, the lockout was lifted.

We want to recognize the tremendous challenge law enforcement faces in situations like this, actively responding to a rapidly evolving and dangerous incident while simultaneously maintaining communication with nearby schools and coordinating protective actions. The Connersville Police Department and Fayette County Sheriff’s Department did an exceptional job providing timely information and working collaboratively with school officials so appropriate safety measures could be implemented quickly and effectively.

We are tremendously grateful to our local police, first responders, and our incredible staff for their swift and professional response. We also appreciate the cooperation and patience of our students and families as safety procedures were implemented this morning.

According to the Connersville Police Department, any additional information regarding the ongoing investigation will be released by the Indiana State Police Public Information Office.

Warm regards,

Jeremy Duncan
Superintendent, Fayette County School Corporation