Saratoga Springs elementary school goes on 'lock out' Wednesday

Article Audio:

Share on Facebook

Save

SARATOGA SPRINGS — Division Street Elementary School was placed on “lock out” for a period of time on Wednesday while a city officer dealt with a man who was having a mental health crisis, according to police.

Paul Veitch, the city police department’s public information officer, said that while a city officer was conducting his routine visit to the school around noon, a man walked to the front door of the building and requested to see the officer.

GAZETTE COVERAGE

Ensure access to everything we do, today and every day, check out our subscribe page at DailyGazette.com/Subscribe

“The male appeared disheveled and was acting like he was in a mental health crisis,” he said.

Given the man’s behavior, the school went into a “lock out,” a condition in which the school continues its activities without any interruption while restricting any entry into the building.

“The male was interviewed by the officer and it was determined that he needed mental health assistance and was eventually transported to Saratoga Hospital,” Veitch said.

The district said the lockout ended around 12:15 p.m.

Correction 9:56 a.m. 1/5/23: This post has been corrected to reflect the nature of the officer’s presence at the school, as well as where the person requesting assistance went. The officer was conducting a routine visit and the person came to the front door.