Increased police presence at Washburn Rural High School events, here’s why

TOPEKA (KSNT) – A local school district sent a letter to parents on Tuesday notifying them of the reason for an increased police presence at school events tonight.

The letter, penned by USD 437 Principal Ed Raines, was sent to the parents of students at Washburn Rural High School on Jan. 30. The letter states that a student left campus without permission and has yet to be found. Both school staff and law enforcement officials are actively looking for the student.

“The student left of their own volition and, at no time, was there reason to believe that there was any threat to our school or community,” Raines wrote. “However, because there are several scheduled activities and events occurring at the high school this evening, we wanted to alert you to a heightened law enforcement presence in the area.”

The missing student is described as wearing a flat green hoodie, navy blue sweatpants and glasses. He has short black hair and is six feet tall. He was last seen heading southeast through the Ken Berry Baseball Complex. If you know where the student is, you are urged to call the Shawnee County Sheriff’s Office at 785-251-2200.

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