Aggressive dad prompts OES lockdown

Oleai Elementary School campus at 2pm yesterday, Wednesday, Feb. 15, 2023. (LEIGH GASES)

A parent who had gotten aggressive while attempting to check on his son at Oleai Elementary School yesterday reportedly prompted a lockdown at the school, but he was later escorted out of the campus by Department of Public Safety police officers.

The incident also prompted the office of Education Commissioner Dr. Alfred Ada to issue a statement that reassured students and parents that the matter had already been settled and that no untoward incident happened.

DPS, however, remains mum about the incident, and referred inquiries to PSS.

Saipan Tribune learned from sources that the lockdown was allegedly caused by a threat made to one of the students. It was learned that the father of the student had rushed to the school in an attempt to see his son. The parent was not permitted to enter the school, which caused him to get aggressive. The parent was allegedly punching the school’s office door, which prompted school officials to call the police.

Fortunately, the parent later saw his son through the door and calmed down before police arrived.

The parent was then transported to the Commonwealth Health Center and he was allegedly admitted.

The disturbance reportedly happened at the entrance gate of the school during lunch where it was said the unidentified man was uncooperative with school staff.

According to Ada, there were children and staff outside during the lunch break, which prompted the school to go on lockdown for their safety and so as not to witness the scene that was unfolding.

A CNMI Public School System public advisory said “that at about 11am, [OES] initiated a school lockdown to ensure the safety of all students, staff, and individuals on campus. The Department of Public Safety was called immediately to provide patrol, guidance, and initiate further investigation.

“At about 11:17am, DPS and OES gave the all-clear signal. All students and staff are safe and there are no immediate threats to OEA or PSS at this time. OES dismissal time remains at 2pm.”

Ada said that no one was hurt, there was no violence, and no weapons during the disturbance.

Ada reminds parents and visitors that there are surveillance cameras in all gate entrances of schools and to make sure to follow the protocol of signing in at the school’s office at all times.