UPDATE: Schools secured for burglar search

By Elisa Glushefski

Published: April 12, 2008

Four Prince William County schools in Lake Ridge secured their buildings for about a half hour Friday after county police warned that a burglar was in the neighborhood, authorities said.

Officers responded to the 2500 block of Paxton Road around 11:06 a.m. after receiving complaints that a suspicious man was attempting to stop vehicles along the roadway, said Officer Erika Hernandez, police spokeswoman.

When officers arrived at the scene, the man fled and dropped a bag, Hernandez said.

Evidence from the bag led investigators to the 12800 block of Greenhall Drive, Hernandez said, where they found a house that had been broken into and burglarized.

Officer K.L. Jennings and his canine searched the area and found the man hiding inside a shed at another house, police said.

Brian Lawrence Tipton, 22, of no fixed address, was charged with statutory burglary and grand larceny, police said.

Tipton is accused of breaking into his parent's house and stealing cash and tools, according to police.

He is being held without bond and will have a hearing in Juvenile and Domestic Relations Court.

At 12:22 p.m. Lake Ridge and Old Bridge elementary schools along with Woodbridge High School and Lake Ridge Middle School were given the all clear notice from the police.

Staff writer Elisa Glushefski can be reached at 703-878-8062.

Staff writer Aileen Streng contributed to this report.