Fairfield schools put on lockdown after report of adult with firearm

FAIRFIELD - Fairfield schools were placed on a lockdown Thursday afternoon, Jan. 4, after the district received a report of an adult with a firearm near Washington Elementary School and Fairfield High School.

A subsequent news release from the Fairfield Police Department said that officers responded to the scene and arrested Bowe James Cook, 31, of Winfield. The news release indicated that the Jefferson County Law Center received a 911 call reporting a male displaying a handgun in the 100 block of East Broadway Avenue in Fairfield.

A description of the man was given, so Fairfield Police officers and Jefferson County Sheriff’s Office deputies responded.

“Due to the proximity of the Fairfield Community School District schools, a description of the suspect was given to FCSD staff,” the news release stated. “Out of an abundance of caution, following of the developing situation, FCSD initiated lock-down procedures. No juveniles or school employees were involved in this incident.”

In a news release from Fairfield Superintendent Stephanie Mishler shared shortly after noon on Thursday, Jan. 4, she stated that all school buildings were instructed to shelter in place until police “gave us the all clear,” which happened shortly thereafter “once that person was located and apprehended.”

“All students were safe, and we took this action out of an abundance of caution at the direction of the Fairfield Police Department,” Mishler said in her news release.

Cook was charged with being a felon in possession of a firearm, possession with intent to deliver cocaine, drug tax stamp violation, interference with official acts and possession of drug paraphernalia.

The news release from the police states, “It is critical to note that this incident had no relation to the tragic school shooting which occurred the morning of January 4, [2024] in Perry, Iowa.”

The suspect, Cook, was apprehended and taken into custody. A loaded firearm was located, along with approximately 88 grams of a substance which field tested positive for controlled substance cocaine.

The Fairfield Police Department said it appreciated the assistance of the Jefferson County Attorney’s Office, Jefferson County Sheriff’s Office, and Iowa Department of Public Safety.

Criminal charges are merely an accusation, and all persons are presumed innocent until found guilty in a court of law.

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Call Andy Hallman at 641-575-0135 or email him at andy.hallman@southeastiowaunion.com