WASHINGTON, Mo. — A convicted sex offender was arrested on the grounds of Washington Middle School after police say a pursuit began with an alleged shoplifting incident at Walmart.
According to the probable-cause statement cited by local media, Matthew Tripp allegedly left Walmart with approximately $430 worth of merchandise. When officers arrived, Tripp reportedly ran to a van and fled the parking lot.
A pursuing officer attempted to stop him, but police say Tripp continued westbound on Missouri Route 100.
The pursuit ended after Tripp reportedly crashed into another vehicle in the Bomgaars parking lot and fled the vehicle on foot.
Police eventually located and arrested Tripp on Washington Middle School property while school was in session and students were on campus.
School officials placed Washington Middle and High School on a brief lockdown while officers made the arrest.
Convicted sex offenders are prohibited from school property
Authorities reportedly discovered during the investigation that Tripp is a convicted sex offender who is prohibited from being on school property.
Court information cited in the report states that Tripp was found guilty in 2010 of enticement of a child.
Officers also reportedly found a firearm inside Tripp’s vehicle. Because he is a convicted felon, authorities say he is prohibited from possessing a firearm.
Tripp faces charges including:
* Stealing
* Aggravated fleeing
* Unlawful possession of a firearm
* Being a sex offender within 500 feet of school grounds
Tripp is being held without bond and was scheduled for a confined docket hearing in Franklin County Circuit Court.
