Jefferson Police have released the identity of the alleged suspect that caused one of the buildings in the Greene County School District to be on lockdown.

Greene County School District Superintendent Tim Christensen tells Raccoon Valley Radio a female individual entered the middle school building in Jefferson Monday morning, before the school day started, and stole several items of clothing and shoes from one of the locker rooms. However, the female could not be not located and the Jefferson Police Department were called to investigate. 

Christensen says around 10am, the female came back and tried to re-enter the building, but all exterior doors were locked and the building was then put in lockdown. When the building is in lockdown, that means no one can enter or leave the building. Christensen notes no students or staff were in danger during the incident. He says the female then entered the administrative building, where staff members kept her from leaving until police arrived and arrested her. Once she was arrested, the lockdown was cancelled.

The suspect is Jessica Peterson and Police Chief Mark Clouse tells Raccoon Valley Radio she has been initially charged with burglary for allegedly stealing items from a middle school staff member’s vehicle. Other charges may be possible pending completion of the investigation. Clouse believes the suspect is homeless from the Boone County area. She is currently being held in the Greene County Jail. Raccoon Valley Radio will bring you more information as it becomes official.