OTTUMWA, Iowa - Word of an active shooter scenario put Ottumwa schools on lockdown for a time Friday afternoon, a school staffer confirmed to WHO Radio News from inside one of the schools.
The Ottumwa School District Tweeted confirmation of the lockdown, saying there was an active shooter near Liberty Elementary School, but all students and staff were safe and being protected by law enforcement at the school.
The Ottumwa Courier reports law enforcement from several counties was on the scene near the Wappelo County Rural Fire Department, and an ambulance left the scene.
KBIZ Ottumwa Radio News reports that three suspects tried to rob a house and one was shot by the homeowner, another is in police custody, but at last report the third suspect was still at large.
The Wapello County Sheriff's Department promised more information later.