Following 'Suspicious Person' Incident, Stillwater Schools Increase Vigilance

Officials from Stillwater Area Public Schools are continuing to work with the Washington County Sheriff’s Department to investigate an incident involving a suspicious person at Lake Elmo Elementary School on March 1.

"While we have very little new information to report, police continue to ask for the public’s help," officials said in a statement. "As is our standard protocol, we have shared any relevant surveillance footage from Lake Elmo Elementary with the Washington County Sheriff’s Office."

"In this incident, however, a clear image of the person in question was not captured."

Officials also said now is "a good time for you to talk with your children about how they can help keep themselves safe."

Resources to start your conversation can be found online or you can reach out to your school principal, student advocate or school counselor for more support.

March 1 Incident

On March 1 just after 5:30 p.m., the Washington County Sheriff’s Office was notified of suspicious male at Lake Elmo Elementary School.

Authorities say the male entered the school after hours and approached staff asking for a child by name who was is an after-school care program.

The staff directed this male to speak to administration to get the child released. The male left on foot from the area.

This male is not known to staff or the family. He had no contact with students, according to police.

The sheriff’s office has released the following description of the person involved in this incident:

• Description: White male, middle age, approximately 5’10”, with oily, unkempt white-colored, shoulder-length hair
• Vehicle: None reported

If you have any information, call the Washington County Sheriff’s Office tip line at (651) 430-7850.

There are several steps school officials are taking across the district as a follow-up to this incident:

• Reviewed our safety protocols with all Adventure Club staff district-wide.
• Practicing increased vigilance in monitoring who is entering our school buildings before, during and after the school day.
• Working with building principals to examine entrances to make sure buildings are secure.
• There is an increase in active patrols by local law enforcement.
• The sheriff's department has placed additional cameras on school property at Lake Elmo.
• Teachers at Lake Elmo will be taking time this week to discuss personal safety with students.

Resources will be shared with teachers across the district to help lead similar discussions as appropriate within their classrooms, according to news release.

School officials say they take the security of their students very seriously and are working closely with the sheriff’s office, staff, students and families to be extra attentive and watchful to keep the children safe.

Image via Google Streetview