Canute, OK – Canute Public Schools were placed on precautionary lockdown Wednesday morning as law enforcement pursued a stolen vehicle in the area.

The incident began in the early hours of October 1 when a juvenile stole a vehicle and fled from officers, according to the Washita County Sheriff’s Office. The chase led to a heavy law enforcement presence around Canute.

School officials initiated the lockdown just before 8:30 a.m. after being alerted to the pursuit. Administrators stressed that at no point were students in direct danger. The lockdown remained in place for several hours before being lifted around 11:45 a.m., with normal operations resuming shortly afterward.

Authorities confirmed that the juvenile was safely apprehended. Sheriff Kevin Rozell thanked the Oklahoma Highway Patrol, Elk City Police Department, and citizens of Canute for their cooperation, noting that tips from the public played a key role in bringing the situation to a safe resolution.

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