An alleged house burglary attempt led to heightened security at a Missoula elementary school early this morning.
City police received a burglary-in-progress report at about 6:30 a.m. in the 1500 block of Stanley Street in the Rattlesnake neighborhood. City police spokesman, Sergeant Travis Welsh, says house sitters surprised a man rifling through possessions in the home they were watching.
"The suspect had fled from the house on foot. (His) last known direction was westbound from the residence on Stanley. A perimeter was established and there was a search of surrounding yards and streets, however no suspect was located.”
Missoula County Public Schools later alerted parents of Rattlesnake Elementary School students about the incident. The email noted the home intruder was armed. School officials said that as a precaution the arriving students would be immediately escorted into the school building. Police Sgt Welsh later clarified there was no evidence to suggest a weapon was involved in the burglary attempt.
That investigation continues.