'Erratic' Man Approached Young Children In Albany: School District

ALBANY, CA — Albany School District is warning parents about a stranger who approached children near one elementary school last week and entered the Berkeley Chess School, causing alarm to those with whom he came into contact.

The first incident happened at the chess school when a young man, likely in his 20s, entered the school and asked to play with kids. "The staff explained that they do not mix kids and adults in classes, but they offer classes for adults only," Albany School District reports. "He specifically said he only wanted to play with kids, and not adults. They report that he was acting erratic, saying things that made no sense, and may have been under the influence of a controlled substance."

After the man left the building, concerned staff and an Albany parent who was there at the time locked the doors behind him.

The same parent spotted the man the next day, this time talking to kids who were walking to school alone on Santa Fe near Marin Elementary School. "She reports that he again was acting erratic, walking in the street and twirling around, and trying to shake hands with kids," reports the district. "Several kids did stop to talk to him, but others used excellent personal safety habits by immediately leaving the area."

The parent who witnessed the incident called police and notified Marin's principal.

The district would like parents to review safety tips with their children:

• Teach your children that adults should not approach children for help or directions. Tell your children that if they are approached by an adult, they should stay alert because this may be a "trick."
• Children should never hitchhike or approach a car when they don’t know and trust the driver.
• Children should never go anywhere with anyone without getting your permission first.

Any suspicious activity immediately to the school and Albany Police at (510) 525-7300.

-Image via Shutterstock

Also See:

• Superintendent Warns Of Declining Enrollment
• Albany School District Addresses Racism & Intolerance Issues
• Albany High School Principal Reassigned
• Students Hold Sit-In At Albany High School
• Albany's SchoolCARE Making A Difference In Local Schools