A Vernon elementary school was locked down Thursday morning while police investigated the armed robbery of a nearby grocery store.
Police said a man in a baseball cap entered Nature's Grocer at 81 East Street in Vernon around 10:45 a.m. Thursday and handed the clerk a note demanding money.
He implied he had a handgun but did not display a weapon, according to police.
The Northeast School was locked down for about 35 minutes while police responded.
Surveillance footage shows the perpetrator wearing a black T-shirt and baseball cap and long cargo shorts. Police hope someone will be able to identify him.
During the investigation, Vernon police contacted district officials and told them to put the elementary school in "secure school mode" as a precaution. The school was in secure mode from about 10:50 a.m. to 11:25 a.m.
District officials notified parents via robocalls and also tweeted out a press release that said the school.
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During secure school mode, no one is let in or out of a school, but classes go on as per usual. If there are any gym classes outside, students are taken to an undisclosed secure place.
"As always, your children were safe at Northeast School and the normal school schedule was followed during that time," Vernon school officials said in a press release. "We would like to thank you for your cooperation during this brief incident."
Vernon police anyone with information or who recognizes the armed robbery suspect to call the department at 860-872-9126. Callers may remain anonymous.
