Active law enforcement investigation forces West Platte School District to close Tuesday

WESTON, Mo. — An active law enforcement investigation forced the West Platte School District to close on Tuesday.

Weston Police Chief Kelly Clark told KSHB 41 reporter Lily O'Shea Becker the investigation involved a man running near the elementary, middle and high schools with an AR-style rifle.

“I think they did the best they could and were quick to communicate with people," said Trinda Wolfe, a parent of two West Platte students.

The suspect, 37-year-old Michael Hull, has an outstanding felony warrant for fleeing a traffic stop that caused minor injury to a Weston police officer, per the Platte County Sheriff's Office.

The search for Hull led authorities to his previous residence on Cherry Street, where someone had reported there was an open door.

While the sheriff's office said it was believed Hull was hiding inside, the residence was empty upon entry.

Tuesday afternoon, the sheriff's office received word that Hull had fled city limits and was possibly in the river bottoms south of Weston.

Several surrounding agencies helped search the area until 4 p.m., when the search was suspended due to the extreme heat and heavy brush. The sheriff's office said additional resources remain in the area.

Augest Reeves recalled seeing a large presence of law enforcement vehicles, including an armored vehicle, on her way to work in downtown Weston. She said the town felt different on Tuesday.

“Very quiet, a little tense," Reeves said. "As you can see, the town, there are no people out. Everybody’s kind of holed in, watching what’s going on."

The Platte County Sheriff's Office encourages anyone with information about Hull's whereabouts to contact the department at 816-858-5848 or call 911.

Initially, the West Platte School District implemented a two-hour delay and canceled only Vo-Tech classes.

Later, the decision was made to fully close for the "safety of our students and staff."

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