Police raid house near MV schools

Lockdown initiated to keep kids safe during planned event; bust involved drugs, guns, fraud
An otherwise sleepy morning in Mt. Vernon Tuesday, May 9, became lively when the Mt. Vernon Early Learning Center and Mt. Vernon Elementary were placed on lockdown to accommodate a nearby police raid on a residence. The home in question, located at 808 McCanse St.—across the street just east of the schools—was swarmed by law enforcement around 8:45 a.m. The joint investigation included cooperation from the Lawrence County Sheriff’s Office, Missouri Highway Patrol, COMET and the Joplin Police Department, according to Lawrence County Sheriff Brad DeLay. He added that no one hurt during the bust.
In total, five people were taken into custody during the incursion that involved guns, drugs and fraud.
The school district, which also cooperated in the police action, sent out a notice to parents informing them of the event. The communique included the following statement:
“The Highway Patrol and the School District were in communication with each other well in advance of today to plan for the activity in a manner which would keep students and staff safe. Extra precautions were in place throughout to ensure the safety of all District personnel and students. At no time was there any threat on either campus. We have been given the all clear and both campuses have returned to normal activity. The District is very grateful for the outstanding work of law enforcement and the communication level which prioritized the safety and security of our campuses.
Although details are scant at this time, more will likely be printed as information is made available.