As police cars sped down Wolfs Lane, everyone inside and outside of PMHS wondered what was happening. It was only the second day of school at Pelham when the students and teachers all around the building were interrupted by the voice of Mr. Rothstein around noon. Even the students outside of the school were caught off guard by the announcement and the flashing blue warning lights that illuminated outside of each entrance. Students opted to find a safe spot away from the school. Some would be stuck outside for more than an hour without any information.

Senior Danny Friedman, who had a free at the time of the lockout, chose to go home for his safety.

Friedman said, “The second I saw the blue light, I knew something was up.  I tried texting a couple friends but didn’t get any responses.  Although I was nervous, I tried to keep my cool.  Going home to meet up with my mother was the best thought that came to my mind in the moment, and hey, when there’s an opportunity to miss out on class, you take it.”

While everyone outside was fleeing for their safety, the school administrators, teachers and monitors began to follow protocol.

The cause of the lockout was a suspicious stranger lurking by school grounds with a backpack, which he eventually left in front of the middle school and fled down Pelhamdale.

PMHS Assistant Principal Rothstein outlined the steps that were taken by school officials to ensure the safety of everyone.

“We first made the announcement for everyone to stay inside, then assigned free teachers to exits around the building”, Mr. Rothstein said.

After a couple of hours Mr. Rothstein announced the “all clear.”

“It is a solid protocol we have,” said Mr. Rothstein. “I was pleased with everyone’s communication.”