Individual cutting across Ridpath property identified

The previously unidentified individual seen on Ridpath Primary School property on Wednesday afternoon has been identified.

Greencastle police and school officials say the situation has been resolved and no crime was committed.

Acting Greencastle Superintendent Dawn Puckett informed parents of the situation with a Wednesday afternoon notification, saying an individual had been seen walking across the Ridpath property several times recently, as well as at Deer Meadow Primary School once last week.

The notification also included a surveillance photo of the man, which a number of community members posted to Facebook, getting the word out about the issue.

"I am pleased to call to inform you that the situation I explained in my previous phone call this evening has been resolved," Puckett said in her second statement. "The person who was seen at Ridpath today actually heard about the phone call and picture, then called and identified himself as the person who was on Ridpath property today."

Following the call, a police officer as well as GCSC Safety Director Shawn Gobert spoke with the man, who said he had simply been cutting across the property on his way to work.

"The individual did not commit any crime by cutting across school property, but steps have been taken to make sure he is not on school property except for legitimate school reasons at any of our schools in the future," Puckett said. "I can assure you that the situation has been resolved to the satisfaction of law enforcement and school officials.

"We have no reason to believe this individual poses a threat at any of our buildings, but we will continue to be extra attentive to any unusual activity throughout our district."

No connection has been established between this individual's presence at Ridpath and the person seen at Deer Meadow. Puckett's original phone call seemed to indicate that officials believed it was the same person.

The investigation indicates the incidents may not be related.

Although no specific threat was evident at either school, the presence of an unknown adult on school grounds raises concerns for school safety.