WD Staff & Police Respond to Unfamiliar Individual Near Lambert Playground

West Delaware Schools and Manchester Police responded to a situation at Lambert Elementary in Manchester on Tuesday morning.

In a letter to families, West Delaware Superintendent Jen Vance says during morning recess, staff noticed an unfamiliar adult near the Lambert playground. Staff immediately approached the individual and asked them to leave campus. Law enforcement was contacted right away and conducted a thorough search of the area, including all nearby school sites.

Vance says officers are continuing to work with neighboring counties to identify and locate the individual. The individual is described as a white male in his mid-to-late 30s with a beard. He was also described as 5’5” to 5’10”, wearing a red flannel coat, sweatpants and tennis shoes.

West Delaware Schools and Manchester Police do not believe there was or is an active threat to any of the schools. All the students and staff were safe. 

Outdoor recess continued as usual on Tuesday, with enhanced supervision and defined play areas. There was also an increased police presence during dismissal on Tuesday afternoon as an added precaution. 

Vance says they are grateful for the quick actions of their team and the swift response from law enforcement.