Executive Summary
- Authorities in Minnesota have issued a public alert for a 22-year-old endangered missing woman, Ruth Melendez-Sanchez.
- Washington High School in Sioux Falls, South Dakota, initiated a temporary shelter-in-place order on Thursday afternoon.
- The school’s lockdown was a precautionary measure due to an alleged accidental firearm discharge that occurred near the campus.
- The shelter-in-place was lifted after approximately 30 minutes, and no injuries were reported in connection with the incident.
Authorities in Minnesota are searching for an endangered missing woman, while a high school in Sioux Falls, South Dakota, initiated a shelter-in-place order on Thursday following a reported incident near its campus. Both events prompted public safety alerts in their respective communities.
Missing Person Alert
The Pipestone County Sheriff’s Office has requested public assistance in locating 22-year-old Ruth Melendez-Sanchez. According to a bulletin from the Minnesota Crime Alert Network, she was last seen on Wednesday in Woodstock, Minnesota. Officials believe she may be traveling toward the Worthington area.
High School Shelter-in-Place
In a separate incident, Washington High School in Sioux Falls was placed under a shelter-in-place order for approximately 30 minutes on Thursday afternoon. School officials implemented the security measure as a precaution following reports of an alleged accidental firearm discharge on 6th Street, which is located near but not on school property. The order was later lifted, and students were released.
Authorities are actively investigating both incidents. Anyone with information regarding the whereabouts of Ruth Melendez-Sanchez is encouraged to contact the Pipestone County Sheriff’s Office.