Salt Lake elementary locked down because of standoff

SALT LAKE CITY — Elementary school kids waiting to hear about bike safety got a safety lesson of a whole different kind as their school was locked down Thursday because of a police standoff nearby.

Officers chased a man wanted for parole violations to his home about a half block from Edison Elementary School, said Salt Lake Police Sgt. Robin Snyder.

Salt Lake Police Chief Chris Burbank and other officers were at the school to kick off a bike safety program during the incident. As students gathered, Burbank kept them updated about the standoff less than a block away.

The chase began after Keith Burton, 31, was spotted driving in downtown Salt Lake City, Snyder said. Officers with the Joint Criminal Apprehension Team called Salt Lake police for backup. Officers caught up with Burton about 2 p.m. as he pulled into his driveway near 400 South and 1500 West.

But Burton locked his doors and refused to leave his vehicle, Snyder said. After a 15-minute standoff, Burton left his vehicle and was taken into custody.

"He was not armed, but we knew he had a history of carrying weapons," Snyder said.

The elementary school was locked down for almost an hour, but after the standoff ended, officers continued with the planned "bike rodeo" outside.

— Josh Smith