Suspicious Man At Swampscott Elementary School Identified, Cleared: Police

SWAMPSCOTT, MA — Swampscott police said they identified a man whose actions raised suspicions outside of Swampscott Elementary School on Monday and cleared him of being any danger to the school community on Tuesday.

There was an increased police presence at student drop-off and pickup at the school on Tuesday after reports that a man dressed in what appeared to be law enforcement or security clothing arrived during the after-school program, spent a short time in the woods behind the school, and then left the area.

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"The individual has been identified," police said on Tuesday. "Officers spoke with him and explained how his attire yesterday may have been perceived by others and why it raised concerns.

"He acknowledged and agreed."

Elementary School Principal Lisa Sanborn sent a letter to the school community informing it that a worker at the after-school program reported seeing the man park an SUV behind the school and walk around the woods for about eight minutes before he left the area and staff notified police.

"YMCA staff brought the children inside for precautionary reasons and the program continued without incident," Sanborn said in her message. "(Police) are in the process of trying to identify the person in question, though it should be noted that at this point there is no indication anyone was doing anything illegal."

She said the school resource officer and the administrative team were reviewing security procedures at all of the buildings on Tuesday.