MANHATTAN, KAN—Law enforcement authorities are investigating investigating the origins of a social media message that prompted the lockdown at Manhattan High School West campus, according to a media release from the Riley County Police Department.
Police cleared the school around 4:40 p.m. Friday afternoon after the graffiti message that was found in a school bathroom circulated over Snapchat causing the school to go on lockdown. The message was perceived as a threat to a planned pep rally.
Shortly before 2:00 p.m. Friday, the School Resource Officer at the school and the principal were made aware of the message being amplified over the social media platform. School officials quickly put the school on lockdown and multiple officers responded to investigate the situation.
The officers quickly determined the message was not credible and the students were not in any danger. It was decided that the building would be evacuated room by room by officers to ensure the safety of all students and staff.
Police don’t believe there is any threat to the school.
This incident was not connected to Wednesday's events or the arrest of Samuel Osenga in any way. Police arrested him after several incidents involving schools in USD 383.
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MANHATTAN—Law enforcement authorities are investigating a suspect in connection with an incident involving schools in USD 383 Manhattan.
Just after 7:30a.m. Thursday, police were called to Susan B. Anthony Middle School, 2501 Browning Ave. in Manhattan, for the report of a suspicious man in the building during the arrival time of students, according to a media release from the Riley County Police Department.
This person was stopped by school staff, directed to the office, was asked to leave the school and refused.
Ultimately, the school staff did the right thing and called police to come and investigate this person. During this time, students were held in their classrooms until the situation was resolved.
Before officers arrived at the school, the man ended up leaving the building and driving away. He was found a short time later in the parking lot of University Christian Church, 2800 Claflin Road in Manhattan, which also operates as a preschool.
The man made comments to officers that he was searching for his father. During this time, the man was respectful and cordial. At the request of the USD 383 Superintendent, the man was prohibited from going into all USD 383 property and or attending activities.
Around 9:30 a.m., police were called to Amanda Arnold Elementary School, 1435 Hudson Avenue in Manhattan. The school staff reported the man was at the school. Officers quickly arrived and arrested Samuel Osenga, 22, of Manhattan without incident for criminal trespass.
Osenga was not in possession of any weapons at the time of his arrest and police have no reason to believe he had any intention of harming students at any school.
The RCPD said they want to emphasize that if officers believe there is a threat at any of the schools, "we will respond as quickly as possible and parents will be notified."
"We continue to have a strong working relationship with all of our schools and their staff, and appreciate their cooperation in any investigations or incidents that occur. The safety of our community's children is and will remain a top priority at RCPD."