Schools lock down Friday in search for carjacker

Odessa Police Department confirmed Friday morning's lock down at Burleson Elementary and shelter in place at Sam Houston was associated with a carjacking that occurred on Thursday night.

Police received a tip Friday of sighting the suspected robber and the vehicle, a 2007 Pontiac G-6, which was reported stolen from the Smokers Outlet, 5100 North Dixie Blvd., at 7:30 p.m. on Thursday.

The caller claimed the vehicle and suspect were seen in the area of 38th Street and Golder Avenue at the Vista Ranch mobile home park just before 10:30 a.m.

In response, police officials said they set up a large perimeter from the High Plains Apartments, 3800 Andrews Highway, to some of the neighborhoods north of University Boulevard between Andrews Highway and Golder Avenue.  

Burleson Elementary School was placed on lock down by police at 10:30 a.m. and Sam Houston Elementary was placed on shelter in place. By 11:20 a.m. Burleson Elementary was downgraded from a lockdown to a shelter in place, while the search continued.

Odessa police, along with ECISD police and a Department of Public Safety helicopter were in air and on the ground searching for the suspected robber. Police describe the suspect as a tall, thin white male, who is bald with tattoos on his face.

The stolen vehicle was located at near the High Plains Apartments on Andrews Highway, but the suspect was still at large late Friday afternoon.

Around 12:15 p.m., police called off the search. At that time, both Burleson and Sam Houston Elementary schools were taken off shelter in place by police.

Police continue to search for the suspect. Anyone with information is asked to call Odessa police at 432-333-3641 or Crime Stoppers at 432-333-TIPS.

@OAschools