An Eau Claire man was arrested on April 24 after attempting to enter Putnam Heights Elementary School, violating a previous ban from the Eau Claire Area School District. The incident occurred around 11 am, when 32-year-old Andrey Yakovlevich Sichuga sought access to the building despite being prohibited from district property. As a result, school officials initiated a “secure hold” at the school, preventing anyone from entering or leaving.
Eau Claire police quickly responded and conducted a traffic stop on Sichuga as he tried to leave the area. Officers observed a handgun in his vehicle and noted that he was not cooperating with their commands to exit the car. After removing him from the vehicle, the police seized the firearm.
Sichuga was arrested and charged with carrying a firearm on school grounds, resisting an officer, and disorderly conduct. He was also cited for trespassing. The police are continuing their investigation into the incident.
