School on lockdown after man barricades himself, commits suicide at nearby house

Bayshore Elementary School conducted a voluntary lockdown Thursday after being notified of a fluid situation just blocks away, at 24th Street Court West, between the Manatee County Sheriff’s Office and an unidentified male who barricaded himself inside his home.

Dave Bristow, MCSO public information officer, said the situation involved a man who argued with a female at his home. The female was able to get away, but certain threats were made that brought law enforcement onto the scene. Bristow initially didn’t have all the details, but reported later that the man had killed himself.

Bristow said that initially the man refused to come out of his home and after several hours of trying to make contact with the man, deputies entered the home and found the man dead.

Bayshore Elementary Principal Jackie West confirmed the school, 6120 26th St. W., went on lockdown a little after 11 a.m.

“We were notified by the sheriff’s office that there was a neighborhood issue involving a man who had barricaded himself inside his home,” said West. “The sheriff’s office gave us the option, and when I saw it was only a few blocks away, I initiated a lockdown. At about 1:15 we went to a soft lock down, meaning the students could move freely inside of the school, but there is no outside activity.”

West was sending out a message to parents as she was speaking with the Bradenton Herald, notifying them of the situation and informing them that no child could leave the school and no parents would be allowed in until the lockdown was lifted. West said the sheriff’s office had stationed two patrol cars outside of the school until the situation is resolved.

“We all feel very safe,” said West.

This story was originally published August 18, 2016 at 1:56 PM with the headline "School on lockdown after man barricades himself, commits suicide at nearby house."