Drugs Found Near Unconscious Barnstable School Employee: PD

BARNSTABLE, MA — An employee at Barnstable-West Barnstable Elementary School was found unconscious, and according to Principal Elizabeth Forbes, police are investigating after drugs were found at the scene. Around 4:30 p.m. Friday, Forbes found the staff member unresponsive on a loading dock outside the school, she said in an email she sent to parents Sunday.

School staff began CPR, and police said they took over life saving measures when they arrived. The staff member was rushed to the hospital and remains there as of Sunday afternoon.

After the drugs were found, school officials closed the building for the weekend until Barnstable police could confirm the school was safe for students and faculty.

"Chief Sonnabend sent Barnstable police officers with a K-9 drug dog to inspect the school," Forbes wrote in an email to parents. "As a parent myself, I know that the well being of our children is our greatest concern. I have been assured by Barnstable police that the building is safe to open tomorrow (Monday)."

Forbes asked that residents keep the employee's family in their thoughts during a difficult time.

"I know that an event like this elicits varied feelings from our community and I ask that we offer support to one another at this difficult time," Forbes said.

Forbes said school faculty will not be discussing the incident with students, but counseling teams will be available to handle any questions that arise.

The incident remains under investigation by Barnstable police. Anyone with information is asked to call police at 508-778-3820.