October 18, 2006

Wednesday, there was another lockdown at Walton Middle School, the second in less than a week, as school officials fear once again a domestic dispute would spill over into the classroom.

The students have gone home safely, but school officials were taking every precaution Wednesday afternoon. They locked down the school around 2 p.m. for about an hour, after school officials received word Elvis Gene Shifflett was in the area.

Shifflett is wanted by police for trying to shoot his girlfriend Friday in Court Square. The two have a child together who attends Walton. The school was on modified lock down Friday after that incident.

Wednesday morning, police received a tip Shifflett was hiding out at the Holiday Inn in Albemarle County. They were unable to locate him, but sources tell us Shifflett made a phone call to the school Wednesday afternoon. That’s when school officials and law enforcement made the decision to lock it down.

“The kids stayed in the classrooms and they are restricted to their classroom. The instruction stops and the kids are put in a location away from the windows and doors,” explained Walton Middle School Principal Eric Johnson of the lockdown procedures.

Police were stationed at each entrance and guarded the doors Wednesday evening, as children got on their buses and went home safely.

Shifflett is wanted for attempted malicious wounding and for use of a firearm as a convicted felon. This isn't the first time Shifflett’s been in trouble with the law. His record shows assault charges and burglary, firearms and larceny convictions.

Police warn he may be armed and dangerous. If you see this man, call 911 or Crime Stoppers immediately, at 434-977-4000.