By J.R. TIDWELL / Editor

A vehicle theft in Clanton led to a lockdown of local schools on Jan. 11.

According to Clanton Police Chief Keith Maddox, schools in Clanton were temporarily put on a soft lockdown due to a car theft that occurred in the area.

A suspect stole a vehicle from a local business but quickly abandoned the vehicle in the Walmart parking lot after discovering there was a small child inside.

The child is safe and has been reunited with family.

The schools were put on the temporary soft lockdown due to their proximity to the store. Maddox says the schools were “never really in danger.”

The suspect fled on foot into the woods behind Walmart.

Thanks to security footage, Maddox believes CPD has identified the suspect.

Authorities were searching for the suspect as of 1:30 p.m. on Jan. 11.

No further information is available at this time.