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West Newbury Police and Fire responded after the car was spotted in the woods near the Dr. John C. Page School in West Newbury around 10:30 a.m. on Tuesday, Nov. 29, Superintendent Justin Bartholomew and Principal Emily Puteri report.
A caller reported seeing the vehicle about 500 feet away from the road and that the driver was sitting outside of the vehicle showing signs of possible hypothermia, officials said.
Responding officers soon recognized the vehicle, which was sought in connection with a car crash in Newburyport, officials continued. The car allegedly crashed through a gate at a privately-owned property on Emery Lane in West Newbury before crashing through another gate on Curzon Mill Road in Newburyport, officials said.
The elementary school was put on secure mode, meaning no one was allowed to enter or leave the building, as a precaution. Police eventually secured the area and the man was taken to Anna Jacques Hospital in Newburyport for treatment. The car was later removed from the woods.
"There is no danger to the school community," Bartholomew and Puteri said in a joint statement. "The school day is proceeding as scheduled, but students will be kept inside for the remainder of the school day."
Pre-K pickup proceeded as scheduled but no cars were not allowed in the back of the building due to the removal of the vehicle, officials continued. The investigation is ongoing.
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