Bierbaum Elementary went into soft lockdown for an hour Friday as police searched for three people who fled from a nearby car crash.

The lockdown was lifted at 1:55 p.m., after parents were notified about an hour earlier.

A car crash at the intersection of Reavis Barracks Road and Union Road — close to Bierbaum at 2050 Union Road — was reported at 12:18 p.m.

Three “subjects” fled the car on foot, and at least one was arrested, a spokesman for the St. Louis County Police Department said.

There was not a specific threat to the school, Mehlville School District Communications Director Jessica Pupillo said.

But in the meantime during the police search, the school went on soft lockdown. A soft lockdown means that students are kept indoors and staff “remain vigilant on who enters the building,” Principal Nathan Burch said in an email sent to parents.

“All students are safe,” the principal wrote.

He asked parents not to pick their children up and promised that he would let them know when police give the “all clear.”

After the all clear, Burch said that out of an “abundance of caution,” students would be kept inside for the rest of the school day. School gets out at Bierbaum at 3:35 p.m. Parents can pick their children up as usual after 3:35 p.m. 

He told parents, “St. Louis County Police have informed us that there is no longer a safety risk in the area.”

Read Burch’s full letters below:

Dear Parents,

Bierbaum Elementary has been put on soft lockdown due to police activity in the area. All students are safe. Please do not pick up your student at this time. During a soft lockdown, students are kept indoors and staff remain vigilant on who enters the building. We will let you know when we receive the all clear from St. Louis County Police.

Sincerely,

Nathan Burch
Principal
Bierbaum Elementary School

Dear Parents,

The soft lockdown has been lifted. St. Louis County Police have informed us that there is no longer a safety risk in the area. Out of an abundance of caution, we plan to keep students indoors for the rest of the day. Dismissal will take place as usual.

Please call me if you have any questions.

Sincerely,
Nathan Burch
Principal
Bierbaum Elementary School