Suspicious Man Spotted Near Pines Elementary

Pines Elementary School Principal Claudine DiMuzio warned parents of a suspicious male spotted near the building, who attempted to make contact with students out for recess on Monday.

According to a letter by the principal, a young, white man, between the ages of 25 and 35, was seen behind the fence of Best Learning Center during the school's first recess period. 

"One of our recess monitors noticed him attempting to yell toward a few of our students. He was asked to leave the area, and was observed running back into the neighborhood," DiMuzio wrote .

The principal said that Suffolk County Police were notified and came to the school to interview and work with school personnel on the incident. Police officers also circulated the neighborhood to assess the situation, she added.

DiMuzio offered the following tips for parents regarding stranger danger:

1. Never leave children unattended at the bus stop. Neighbors should take turns attending to students.

2. Encourage children to walk together to and from school if transportation is unavailable.

3. Remind students never to talk or be lured by strangers, whether in a vehicle or on foot. Never get into a car with a stranger, regardless of the stranger’s request.

4. Children should always tell their parents about being approached by strangers.

5. Encourage children to be mindful of their surroundings at all times, especially when they are alone.

6. Reinforce your family rules about where to play, how to cross streets safely and to watch out for friends’ safety as well as their own.

7. Observe and make note of any suspicious or unknown vehicles or individuals seen in the community. Immediately inform the police by calling 911.

DiMuzio said that the school's teachers and staff will continue to speak with students about safety issues and the steps to take if they are approached.