Bigfork schools on lockdown following casino robbery

Bigfork schools are on lockdown today as the Flathead County Sheriff’s Office looks for a suspect in an armed robbery that occurred Tuesday morning at the Jackpot Casino in Bigfork.

A female suspect robbed the casino, located at 8083 Montana 35, around 9:25 a.m. Tuesday, the Sheriff’s Office said. The suspect is described as a 5’2” to 5’6” female with brown hair, black puffy coat, jeans with holes in front, brown Ugg-type boots and black beanie hat with design. It’s unknown whether the suspect left on foot or by vehicle.

Bigfork Superintendent of Schools Matt Jensen sent an email sent to parents, stating: “We have informed the staff and secured all buildings. Staff are also positioned at the locked front doors. Students are free to travel between classrooms within the building, but we will have indoor recess and lunch. Students needing to transfer between buildings for classes are being escorted by our School Resource Officer. Additional law enforcement has been requested for the end of the school day, as student transition to the buses and parent pick up areas.”

The Sheriff’s Office warned the public not to approach the suspect, but are asked to call 911.