Man Arrested After Boro Middle Schoolers Find Him in School Bathroom

A man was arrested after Memorial Middle School students found him in a school bathroom early Friday morning, said Point Borough Schools Superintendent Vincent Smith.

The man did not approach or hurt any of the students, Smith said.

The man had gotten into the school early in the morning, either before students had arrived or just as some arrived early for breakfast, Smith said. The man used the bathroom and was washing his hands when a few students saw him and told a teacher, Smith said.

The school staff wears identification cards, the man did not have one and did not look familiar, so the students reported him, Smith said.

Police were called, a school custodian escorted the man out, and police picked him up near the high school football field, arrested him and released him on a summons, Smith said.

Smith said he believes the charge was trespassing. Police officials designated to release information to the media could not be reached for comment on Friday afternoon.

Smith said in light of the trespassing incident, he will meet with Middle School Principal Gary Floyd and other officials on Tuesday to review school policies, including whether doors should be opened as early as they are, whether there should be fewer doors open early in the morning, or any other considerations that should be reviewed to safeguard students.

He said he did not know exactly what time the man entered the school, what time students found him in the bathroom, or how early doors start to open in the morning.

However, he said he did know some students arrive as early as 6:30 a.m. for breakfast, and some parents might even drop them off earlier.

Other than students arriving for breakfast, doors open for most students at 7:20 a.m. and the bell for homeroom rings at 7:30 a.m.

He said there are always a number of staff members who like to come in well before the bell rings so they can prepare for the day, which is another reason doors open well before 7:30 a.m.

Smith did not have the name, age or hometown of the man who was charged.

Patch will update this story when police provide additional information.