A Richmond elementary school was placed under a brief lockdown on Wednesday after a stranger was spotted on school grounds two days in a row.
The principal of Cook elementary - near Garden City Road and Granville Avenue - emailed parents and students on Tuesday to inform them that “several students were approached on the grounds by an adult.”
According to the email, students told staff immediately, who contacted Richmond RCMP, but the man was gone by the time police arrived.
However, he was spotted again on Wednesday, and a subsequent email to parents and students confirmed a “hold and secure” took place at noon. Students and staff stayed inside until Richmond RCMP gave an all-clear at 12:40 p.m.
“We are able to share that this incident was in response to (Tuesday’s) report of a stranger on the property,” read the email.
“We are now happy to report that there has been a resolution and our Cook community remains safe.”
According to a parent, who asked not to be named, the man was apparently taking photos of children on Wednesday before a police officer approached him. Parents were not informed of the details of the incident.
No arrest was made: RCMP
Cpl. Ian Henderson, Richmond RCMP spokesperson, confirmed that police attended to reports of an “unwanted male” at Cook elementary on Tuesday and Wednesday.
Youth section officers went to the school on Tuesday after a report was made, but the man was gone and police were unable to locate him “due to a significant time delay between the incident and the time when the call was made to police,” said Henderson.
“Initial information suggested that he may have spoken to at least one student on the property, however, no criminal offence appears to have been committed.”
When the man was spotted again on Wednesday, a police officer who was making a presentation to students at the school, approached him and investigated the matter.
Henderson added that the 29-year-old man lives near the school.
The officer at the scene concluded that the man did not intend to commit or commit a criminal offence and that he “did not appear to pose any immediate risk to the students or staff at the school,” according to Henderson.
“He was subsequently escorted off the school property, and encouraged not to return again,” he said.
More transparency needed
David Sadler, SD38 spokesperson, applauded the students for their actions.
“It is important to note that students took the right steps by reporting the individual to the school, and we are proud of their behaviour.”
He confirmed that the safety and security of all students is a “top priority,” and staff is reviewing safety protocols and reminding students to report suspicious activities to trusted adults or authorities.
Sadler also added that the district is “committed to maintaining open communication with parents and the community.”
The parent, however, thinks the school could have been more forthcoming with information.
Although the school had emailed parents about both incidents, the email did not say what ultimately happened with the man on Wednesday apart from the fact that there was “a resolution.”
The parent had emailed the school twice to request more information but has yet to hear back.
“I know they don’t want to create panic but they need to be transparent,” she said.
The incident has also left her feeling “shaken.”
