Caverna Elementary School orders lockdown after attempted entry

CAVE CITY, Ky. – A man has been detained after police say he tried to enter a school in Barren County.

Cave City police say they responded to a complaint from staff at Caverna Elementary School Monday after they say a man tried to enter the school through the rear doors.

Police say the man, Devan Howard, had a switch blade style knife in his waistband. After officers removed the knife from his possession, authorities say Howard ran from the scene.

The Cave City Police Department says it advised the school to enter a lockdown for the safety of students and staff.

A school resource officer, with the help of another officer, apprehended Howard behind the school. After confirming the scene was safe, police say the school was allowed to resume to normal activities.

Police say a K-9 search of Howard’s vehicle at the school resulted in the discovery of suspected marijuana inside. Police say they also located suspected crystal methamphetamine and additional suspected marijuana to be in Howard’s possession.

Howard was arrested and faces charges of public intoxication-controlled substance (excludes alcohol), second-degree fleeing or evading police (on foot), first-degree possession of a controlled substance, first offense (methamphetamine), possession of marijuana, drug paraphernalia – buy/possess, unlawful possession of a weapon on school property, no operator’s-moped license, failure to produce an insurance card, tampering with physical evidence, first-degree promoting contraband and permit motor vehicle to run unattended.

Howard remains in the Barren County Detention Center.