The Iowa Department of Human Services says 8 students ran from the Eldora State Training School in north-central Iowa Thursday and 3 remain at large. A news release from DHS says the students were being escorted from the gym to their cottage when they ran into a nearby wooded area. Five returned within an hour.
DHS Director Charles M. Palmer says, “We have procedures in place when such incidents occur, including contacting police, forming search parties and notifying family, juvenile court officers and area residents. Law enforcement agencies continue searching for these youth, and we hope for a safe and speedy return.”
DHS says Eldora holds kids aged 12 to 18 who were charged with mainly felonies and aggravated misdemeanors.