Gun-waving suspect who caused lockdown at Henry County schools in custody

HENRY COUNTY, Ga. - An armed suspect who prompted a lockdown at three schools in Henry County Thursday has been taken into custody, officials said.

Shelby Mark Poss, 24, was taken into custody around 2 p.m. following an hours long search, according to Henry County Sheriff Reginald B. Scandrett.

Authorities tell FOX 5 that Poss was spotted by a parent dropping off her children near Woodland High School on Moseley Drive, who said he was wearing gray shorts, no shirt and no shoes, and standing near the school waving a handgun.

"The parent instructed her children to ‘duck’ as she drove past Poss and into the school’s parking lot. Poss, after running towards the school, doubled back triggering a response that involved HCSO, The Henry County Sheriff’s SWAT Team, HCPD, HCFD and EMS," the sheriff's office said in a statement to FOX 5.

Poss, who has no history of mental illness, according to authorities, was pursued in a neighboring area he’s known to frequent. He’s suspected of being under the influence of narcotics, the Sheriff Scandrett said. The sheriff said a handgun was recovered.

Woodland High, Woodland Middle, and Woodland Elementary were placed on lockdown as a precaution.

"This was an isolated incident that started around 10:30am and was over before school was
dismissed and no one including the suspect was harmed. Our collaborative effort with the aforementioned
agencies allowed us to bring Poss into custody in a timely manner," Sheriff Scandrett said.

Poss is facing charges of reckless conduct and disruption of public schools.

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