School officials delayed the dismissal of summer school students at William Ramsay Elementary School as police searched for a juvenile out on probation in the area Thursday.

Sandy Hudnall, Alexandria City Public Schools spokesman, said officials made the decision to keep the children in their classrooms after police alerted them to the situation. Administrators opted to err on the side of caution, she said. 

Our call was always on the side of whats the safest, Hudnall said. As long as that activity is going on well keep them in school. Its not just a matter of loading the buses, some of those kids would be walking home.

An explanation of the delayed dismissal was posted on the ACPS website shortly after authorities confirmed the suspect was no longer in the area. 

A letter will be sent home to the parents of the summer school children today as well, Hudnall said.  

Ashley Hildebrant, a spokesman for the Alexandria Police Department, called the decision a precautionary measure while officers looked for the minor. Though the juvenile remains at large, he is not considered a threat, she said.

[The students] were never in any real danger, but any time you have a situation you always take precautionary steps, Hildebrandt said. It was just his close proximity to the school.

Authorities are not releasing any information about the juvenile.