The Okaloosa County Sheriff’s Office was actively searching in the Laurel Hill area for a suspect in several recent area car thefts and burglaries who has been on the run since ditching a stolen truck near Baker on May 7.

Eric Dewayne Russell, 31, no known address, was spotted Thursday in the area around Steel Mill Creek Road and State Road 85.

As a precaution, Laurel Hill School was on a modified lockdown while law enforcement conducted its search.

Residents are asked to secure their vehicles and equipment. Anyone who spots Russell should call 9-1-1. Do not attempt to approach or make contact with him.

Russell has been on the run since Florida Fish and Wildlife Officers initially attempted to pull hi m over for a traffic stop on Sun., May 7, on Highway 90 near the Santa Rosa County line.

Russell fled the scene and later got the truck stuck near railroad tracks off Al Gilman Road. He then ran into the woods and disappeared to avoid capture.

Deputies later learned the truck was reported stolen out of Coffee County, Ala. A handgun was also recovered from inside the vehicle.