Superintendent Marguerite Rizzi
232 Pearl St.,
Stoughton, MA 02072
For Immediate Release
Wednesday, Dec. 12, 2018
Contact: Benjamin Paulin
Phone: 781-428-3299
Email: ben@jgpr.net
Stoughton Elementary School Deemed Safe After Brief Shelter in Place
Unknown Man Mistakenly Entered School
STOUGHTON — Superintendent Marguerite Rizzi reports that the Stoughton Police Department has determined that there was no threat at the Wilkins Elementary School Wednesday morning after an unknown man walked into the school looking for a driving school.
At approximately 8 a.m., officials at Wilkins Elementary School notified the Stoughton Police Department that an unknown man had entered the building without their knowledge and it was unclear if he was still in the school or not.
The man had asked a school staff member if a driving school was located inside the school building but then walked away. Out of an abundance of caution, officials ordered the school to shelter in place.
Police responded and searched the school and were unable to locate the man. An on-scene investigation determined that the man walked out of the school shortly after the initial contact with the staff member. The man did not make any threats, and at this time, officials believe he simply was mistaken.
The Stoughton Police will have an increased presence at the school for the remainder of the day, as a precaution.
“While this appears to be a misunderstanding and miscommunication, we can never be too cautious these days,” Superintendent Rizzi said. “We are thankful to the Stoughton Police Department for their quick response and professionalism.”
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