JACKSON COUNTY, N.C. (FOX Carolina) - The Jackson County Sheriff’s Office said students had to fight off a suspicious man that tried to follow them into their school.

Deputies said the student resource officers at Smoky Mountain High School were made aware of the man on Monday. As the man tried to enter behind the group of students, they were able to shut the door on him.

Jackson County Public Schools said the school, along with Fairview Elementary School, were placed on soft lockdown out of caution.

Officials said the man then began walking around the school. He was later located on Highway 107.

The suspect was identified as Griffin Chandler Sanders. Deputies said he was charged with the following:

Intoxicated and disruptive

Misdemeanor larceny

(2 counts) Second-degree trespass

Br

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