Traffic delays lasted all Wednesday afternoon in the area of Barrow County schools near Apalachee High, where a shooting left four people dead and nine others injured.

After the gunfire, frantic parents were forced to park and walk to campus while looking for their children. Both Apalachee High School and Haymon-Morris Middle School are situated off Haymon Morris Road, which was closed in front of the school grounds. The Georgia State Patrol also directed traffic at the intersection of Tom Miller and Haymon Morris roads. Nearby traffic was also slowed at the intersection of Carl Bethlehem and Haymon Morris roads.

According to Winder police, there was a heavy police presence about eight miles northeast at Winder-Barrow High, Richard B Russell Jr. Middle and Winder Elementary. All Barrow schools were placed under lockdown after the shooting. Parents were asked not to block roads and entrances.

Officer presence has been established at all Barrow County Schools. The school system has notified parents of student...

Posted by Winder Police Department on Wednesday, September 4, 2024

“The school asks that all parents choosing to pick up their children in person to please be patient as the traffic will be heavy,” police added. “Again, please do not block roadways, sidewalks, bus and car lines at school sites.”

Traffic delays lessened as the schools transitioned from hard to soft lockdowns and students were released.

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