Lockdowns lifted at Lake County schools after man found hiding in tree

Man accused of driving stolen vehicle charged with grand theft auto

MINNEOLA, Fla. – Lockdowns were lifted Thursday morning at two Lake County schools after a man was arrested nearby, officials said.

The Lake County Sheriff's Office said Richard Mesner , who is accused of driving a stolen vehicle, got stuck in school traffic and ran into a wooded area near Lake Minneola High School, which prompted the lockdown at both Lake Minneola High and Grassy Lake Elementary School.

The lockdowns were lifted at both schools and classes have resumed, officials said.

Lake County Deputies responded to a report of a stolen full-size GMC truck pulling a flatbed headed toward Lake Minneola...

Posted by Lake County Sheriff's Office on Thursday, February 9, 2017

Officials said Mesner was found a half-mile away from Lake Minneola High School.

"The schools are on lockdown this morning as a precautionary measure due to police activity in the area," Lake County school officials said earlier. "We are keeping students inside and limiting movement on campus."

Mesner is charged with grand theft auto and grand theft with additional charges expected, officials said.

Grassy Lake Elementary is across the street from Lake Minneola High.


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