Wamac Police Chief Steve Prather says a 49-year-old Centralia man has been arrested for disorderly conduct after being seen dressed in camouflage and appearing armed with a shotgun and a large knife walking near Bridges Learning Center Wednesday morning.
Those at the school were advised to shelter in place until the area had been secured. Within minutes of police arrival, the suspect later identified as William Montaya, was seen walking in the Wamac Park. A large number of Centralia and Wamac Police Officers who responded to the scene were able to surround the man.
Montaya was ordered to discard the firearm and finally, after further numerous verbal commands, the suspect threw the gun to the ground. Once secured, he was allegedly found in possession of numerous knives and a large machete that was attached to a combat-type belt. The gun turned out to be a bb-long gun that resembled a shotgun when viewed from a distance. Both the BB gun and knives were secured as evidence.
After the arrest, Bridges Learning Center was advised they could go back to normal operations.
Prather noted the situation was made more difficult because all the school buses were arriving at the time of the initial report. The chief is commending the quick response and assistance of the Centralia Police Department. Prather noted in this day and age, these types of calls are taken extremely seriously given the occurrence was near a school and the type of call involved a possible armed individual.
