SHELBY – The Shelby City Schools district and Shelby Police Department continue the search for a missing juvenile as of Monday evening.
Shelby Police stated on Monday morning that 17-year-old Samuel Baker, a Shelby High School student who attends Pioneer Career & Technology Center, was reported missing on Sunday afternoon. Police believe a firearm may also be missing from the student’s home.
As a result, all schools within Shelby, including Pioneer, were closed for the day on Monday. As of Monday evening, Shelby Superintendent Tim Tarvin had not made a decision on whether to close school for a second day.
“At this time no decision has been made on whether or not school will be in session tomorrow,” said Tarvin in a statement at 9 p.m. on Monday. “However, that decision will be made no later than 5 a.m. Tuesday morning.
“That decision will be based on all pertinent information that is available to the school district and the Shelby Police Department at that time.”
Closing schools in Shelby on Monday was strictly a precautionary measure, according to Tarvin. Shelby Police Capt. David Mack said on Monday that there had been no known threat made on the schools.
Shelby Police Chief Lance Combs reiterated this fact in a Facebook post on Monday evening, stating “there has been absolutely no direct threat to anyone in our school system, any students, any students in any other school systems or any other location.”
“Finding Sam and bringing him home safe to his family is our top priority,” Combs wrote. “For obvious reasons, we cannot comment on ongoing investigative methods or the results that they may or may not yield.”
Combs explained there is information that cannot currently be released as it may jeopardize the investigation, and delay Baker’s safe return. He also requested that social media users refrain from posting or reposting any rumors or innuendo regarding this case.
“It only serves to heighten tension and prevent our officers from focusing on finding Sam,” Combs said. “In some cases, it may actually impede the investigation.”
On Sunday at 3:30 p.m. Shelby Police took a missing person’s report for 17-year-old Samuel Baker. He is believed to be driving his 2000 Silver Dodge Stratus with the license plate number of GWB6329.
Samuel is 5’10 and weighs 159 pounds. He has brown hair and brown eyes. If anyone knows any information on his whereabouts please contact the Shelby Police Department at 419-347-2242.
Tarvin stated on Monday night that both the Shelby Schools district and the Shelby Police are hopeful the situation will be resolved safely, and as soon as possible.
“We understand that parents want answers and information, and as Chief Combs has stated, he will provide updates as new, relevant information becomes available,” Tarvin said.
“We remain hopeful that this situation will be brought to a close as soon as possible so that school may resume.”
