Pittsburgh Public Schools Carmalt PreK-8 evacuated due to unknown masked man in building
PITTSBURGH (KDKA) -- Pittsburgh Carmalt PreK-8 was evacuated following reports of an unknown masked man inside the elementary school on Thursday.
Pittsburgh Public Schools said the school was evacuated after police were called for the unknown man inside the building. Once the report was made, a full lockdown was put in place and police asked to have the building evacuated.
Officials said the man who entered the building wore all black, including a hoodie and mask. He was reportedly spotted by two staff members in the gender-neutral bathroom and gym. Police said the man did not appear to be armed.
After hours of searching, investigators didn't find him. But they continued searching while the building was evacuated.
One man whose son is a teacher at Carmalt PreK-8 is calling for changes.
"It's scared me to death to know they're going to go into the school room and I have to be somewhere, get a call, and (could) lose one of my children," said Ezkiel Daure. "It's very hard, it's very hard. I wish they would do something better for the school district, security, whatever they plan to do, do something good."
The school district notified parents of the incident on Thursday. Parents picked up their children at the Brookline Rec Center. Students were transported to the center by bus.
"I see a text and I was like what's going on? He's like I love you guys," Daure said. "I start to shake. I said I'm going to come over there. He said you can't get into the school. I'm going to be safe, I'm anchored down with the kids."
Like most parents, the Romans hugged their son when they dropped him off on Thursday morning. In the afternoon, they couldn't help but think for a moment that it could have been the last time. It's something they've had to explain to their 10-year-old son.
"He's worried himself," Jamie Roman said. "He understands. We talk to him about what's happening."
Investigators say it's possible that the man could have exited the building, but it is not clear how he got inside.
The school will be in session on Friday under "secure mode," the district said.
"This means no one will be allowed in or out of the facility without a prescheduled appointment. City Police will assist School Police to ensure secure entry for students and staff. Additional School Safety support will be on-site throughout the day," the district said.
