Suspicious Adult Near Chenery Triggers 'Stranger Danger Alert'

A "Stranger Danger Alert" was issued Tuesday afternoon, Oct. 2, by the Belmont School Department after a "suspicious, unknown adult male" was seen lurking at a street corner near Chenery Middle School, according to Belmont School Superintendent Dr. Thomas Kingston.

"It was not determined what he was doing but he did leave after Chenery staff confronted him," said Kingston at last night's School Committee meeting held at the Chenery.

According to Chenery Principal Kristen St. George, the unknown man – the only description is that he was a "white male" – was seen lingering near the Middle School play area during lunch or recess. When approached by staff, he left and drove off in a vehicle.

"Although this does not constitute illegal activity, it serves as a good reminder that we need to be alert to strangers in and around our schools," said Carey in a release sent to parents Tuesday afternoon.

The alert was also sent to administrators and teachers at the Winn Brook Elementary School after an earlier and similar incident there.

Kingston said that Belmont Police are cooperating with school and department staff on the incident.

"It's a difficult age for students and they were told not to accept gifts or rides from people they do not know," said Kingston, who noted that teachers and staff were also reminded of this fact.