INFORMATION RELEASE

On 01/11/2012, at approximately 12:58 PM, the Juneau Police Department was notified of an incident that occurred at Riverbend Elementary School where a strange male came onto the playground and tried to grab a 3rd grade girl. JPD officers arrived within minutes and contacted staff at the school. The principle told officers that all children had been accounted for.

Officers interviewed several 3rd grade students, who said that a male wearing a dark coat came onto the playground and attempted to grab a female student. It was reported that the male did not say anything to the children and came to within four feet of the female child. The male left the area on foot. One adult employee said they saw the individual, who looked like a high school student. The male was described as being a white adult approximately 20 years old, with a goatie, wearing baggy pants and a dark trench coat.

Officers contacted staff at the Thunder Mountain High School (TMHS) and developed a possible suspect based on the description. Officers then contacted a 19 year old TMHS student at his residence located at Riverbend Housing. The 19 year old denied any inappropriate behavior, but admitted to cutting through the elementary school playground on his way home.

The parents of the 3rd grade female were contacted and declined to press any charges against the 19 year old. The 19 year old was advised to use to the sidewalk to get to TMHS and to not cut through the elementary school. Staff at both TMHS and Riverbend Elementary School were notified of the warning given to the 19 year old.