Incident at apartment complex sends elementary school into lockout

CATSKILL―The Catskill Elementary School went into lockout mode on Wednesday afternoon after a reported incident at the apartment complex across the street.

Around 1:30 p.m., Greene County 911 received a call stating that a male subject had attempted to make entry into one of the units at 775 Embought Road with the intent to rape a woman.

Multiple police patrols responded to the complex that serves seniors and those with disabilities. A search of the area was initiated for the alleged suspect who was described as a 5’4” Hispanic male in his 30s wearing a black hoodie and hat.

“Upon arrival, officers determined that the individual had left the location prior to their arrival,” the Catskill Police Department reported.

The individual involved has been identified but attempts to contact the subject have been unsuccessful as of Wednesday night, according to Catskill Police.

“At this time, there is no evidence to suggest there was any threat to the public. No weapons were involved, and no threats were made in connection with this incident,” Catskill Police stated.

The New York State Police Bureau of Criminal Investigation, along with the Catskill Police Department, continue to actively investigate the incident.

“At no time was there a known threat to our schools, and all students were safely dismissed,” Superintendent Junait Shah said in a letter to the community, adding that measures were taken “out of an abundance of caution.”

During lockout, the school day continues as usual in the building with no students or staff outside, he noted.

“Given the active nature of the investigation and its close proximity to our schools, we implemented additional safety measures to ensure a secure dismissal process at the middle school and high school,” Shah explained.

“Students were temporarily held in the buildings and then escorted to buses one at a time. Buses were dismissed with law enforcement support as they exited the village. We also asked families to meet their children at their bus stops. Elementary school students were dismissed as usual for parent pickup, while bus transportation was delayed due to the later dismissal procedures at the middle and high schools,” he said.

Shah thanked the Catskill Police Department, Greene County Sheriff's Office and New York State Police for their assistance and for providing a law enforcement presence along bus routes and in the vicinity of drop-off locations.

“Due to the uncertainties surrounding the investigation at the time, we also asked middle school and high school parents of student walkers to pick up their children so they could be safely escorted home,” Shah said.

He also thanked school and transportation staff and administrators “for stepping up to ensure that every student was safe and accounted for during an evolving situation.”

“Most importantly, I want to thank our students and families for their patience, cooperation, and understanding throughout the dismissal process,” Shah added.

“Moments like these remind me how fortunate we are to be part of such a supportive community,” he said. “When circumstances require us to act quickly, our staff, students, families, and local law enforcement partners come together with one shared priority: keeping our children safe.”