Suspicious Man Prompts Bryant Woods Lockdown

School officials placed Bryant Woods Elementary School on modified lockdown Wednesday afternoon because a student told officials a man tried to speak to children playing outside.

Officials notified parents of the lockdown via e-mail.

“A student reported to a staff member that an unknown adult just outside school grounds attempted to speak with them while at recess,” wrote Winnie Dreier, the school’s assistant principal. “Students at recess and in our portables were then escorted into the building and the doors were locked.”

A modified lockdown allows for students and staff to still be able to move around inside, Dreier explained.

Officers called to the scene “searched the area and did not locate any suspicious subjects,” said Elizabeth Schroen, spokeswoman for the Howard County Police Department. “Detectives are investigating. At this time, we do not believe there is a threat to the safety of children in that area.”

Schroen suggested parents use the incident as an opportunity to talk to their children about dealing with strangers.

“If a student sees a suspicious person, he or she should alert a parent, teacher or trusted adult immediately or call 9-1-1, which is exactly what happened in this case,” she said.