Terrified parents surrounded Cambria Heights Elementary School Thursday morning, waiting to pick up their children after the school was locked down following reports of a suspicious man entering the building.
“It’s just heartbreaking to be honest knowing this could happen,” said Haley Venslosky, a concerned aunt.
The school was put on lockdown after police say a suspicious man entered the front door and locked himself inside a bathroom. When school officials couldn’t find him, they called state police.
“We do have a photograph of that person. We’re still in the process of identifying that person,” said State Police Public Information Officer Trooper Clifford Greenfield.
“We do have a photograph of that person. We’re still in the process of identifying that person,” said State Police Public Information Officer Trooper Clifford Greenfield.
Police searched the building room by room, but found no weapons or suspect.
“Nothing was found in the school. There was never a report of any weapons having been involved,” said Trooper Greenfield.
School officials say the doors are always locked, so they believe the suspect must have followed another parent inside.
The superintendent says he’s proud to see teachers and staff follow safety protocols. However, they’re going to look for ways to improve.
“We’re going to do a better job of monitoring parents letting other people in the building,” said Superintendent Michael Strasser.
Once all students were accounted for, parents picked up their children and went home, with tears of relief and smiles to be reunited.
“This little boy is my heart and he’s in my arms and he’s OK and I get to take him home,” Hoover said.
