Intruder Caught On Surveillance Video Inside Long Island Elementary School
FLORAL PARK, N.Y. (CBSNewYork) -- Surveillance video has surfaced of an adult stranger entering a Long Island elementary school, and parents and teachers hope he will soon be caught.
As CBS2's Jennifer McLogan reported Thursday, the intruder made his way to the boys' restroom at Our Lady of Victory School, at 2 Bellmore St. in Floral Park, before he was spotted and fled.
Thursday was kindergarten graduation day at the school. But the Ieracis were more focused on safety than celebrating.
"We're obviously very upset," said Jennifer Ieraci. "All of us parents are very concerned and would like more information."
Phone calls have gone out detailing the crime, and texts have been distributed amongst the school community.
During a fire drill when students came out of onto the sidewalk just before 1 p.m. Monday, they peered toward an exit and noticed the intruder sprinting out of a side door.
"Since the students and faculty were out here with the fire drill, there was some conjecture as to, who is that person leaving the school?" said Diocese of Rockville Centre spokesman Sean Dolan.
The principal quickly turned to the school's surveillance system, where they spotted a videotape of the stranger darting down the hallway and heading toward the boys' bathroom. He is not a parent at the school, and police want to know his motivation.
"That's insane," said Floral Park parent C.J. Cueva. "I can't believe he got that far into the building. You know, you would expect there would be some kind of precautions."
The school has multiple security cameras and roaming security guards, according to the diocese. But there is no buzzing mechanism for the door where the man entered, Dolan said.
The intruder was described as a Hispanic male between the ages of 25 and 29, standing 6 feet tall with a thin build. He was wearing a dark gray jogging suit and dark sneakers.
He apparently entered through unlocked doors that are under repair, and the protocol for locking doors is being investigated.
"This is very suspicious, and I think that it puts a lot of students at risk," said Floral Park resident Autumn White.
"If the kids go back inside after a fire drill, you don't know who's inside – you've got to be careful," Floral Park parent Deborah Lamantia.
Police believe the intruder may have mistaken the fire drill for a burglar alarm, and that is why he fled so suddenly without giving away his intentions.
Floral Park police and Nassau County police are standing by for tips, with hopes that callers will lead them to the suspect. Anyone with information is asked to call Crime Stoppers at (800) 244-TIPS.
