Posted: Friday, October 26, 2012 --- 4:30p.m.

Release from McFarland Police Department:

On 10-26-12 at approximately 11:03 am, the McFarland Police Department investigated an alleged theft / strong arm robbery that took place in the 4700 block of Farwell St. The victim was not physically threatened or harmed, nor was there a weapon of any sort displayed or alluded to.

Given the suspect’s direction of travel after the incident, as a precautionary measure Indian Mound Middle School was put on lockdown status for a very brief period of time. It is important to note that at no time was there any reason to believe that any of our school buildings or the students and staff within were in danger. The lockdown order was issued strictly in the event that the suspect dramatically changed course, he or she could have ended up on Exchange St. in the general vicinity of the Middle School.

The lockdown order was lifted shortly after the incident occurred, and routine business at the Middle School resumed. This appears to have been an isolated incident and the general public is not in any immediate danger at this time. The investigation is ongoing at this point.