Security Increased At School Where 5-Year-Old Was Abducted
Posted:
Updated:
An entrance to Bryant Elementary School in West Philadelphia is seen Thursday. District officials say they have increased security at the school.
PHILADELPHIA -
Parents on Thursday were greeted with increased security at Bryant Elementary School in West Philadelphia, measures the school district says are meant to prevent another abduction.
On Monday, a 5-year-old girl was taken out of her classroom at the school. Police are still searching for her kidnapper.
FOX 29's Dave Schratwieser reports the new security measures include security personnel at the door to check in visitors and a second hall monitor station where visitors must present an ID and sign in.
School District of Philadelphia officials say the signature and ID will be thoroughly checked.
Visitors will also be given a hall pass and watched or escorted as they go to the main office.
"We were shocked to find out what occurred. Now we are making sure everybody understands what the procedures are," district spokesman Fernando Gallard said.
The new safeguards went into place three days after the 5-year-old was abducted by the still unknown suspect.
The kindergartner was held overnight in a home nearby, blindfolded and stashed under a bed.
She later escaped and was found soaking wet in a t-shirt at an Upper Darby park.
All teachers will be retrained on the new security procedures, district officials said.
Police continue to interview family members of the girl and others who know her daily routine as they search for a lead that will take them to the house where she was held and to the suspects involved.
Sunday, May 19 2013 5:27 PM EDT2013-05-19 21:27:52 GMT
Pounding winds and violent surf from Hurricane Sandy left their mark on Ocean City, NJ. Beaches were washed out and there's concern about debris washing up. But Mayor Jay Gillian says no need to worry.
Mayor of Ocean City says no need to worry about debris filled beaches after Hurricane Sandy. He says plans have been taking place to make sure they're safe and clean.
Sunday, May 19 2013 5:25 PM EDT2013-05-19 21:25:28 GMT
The Pennsylvania State Police are searching for 21-year-old Matthew Royer, who went missing after leaving his apartment at the University of Rhode Island. Police says Royer left his college apartment
The Pennsylvania State Police are searching for 21-year-old Matthew Royer, who went missing after leaving his apartment at the University of Rhode Island. Police says Royer left his college apartment
Sunday, May 19 2013 8:20 AM EDT2013-05-19 12:20:57 GMT
Finding a job without a college degree can be a difficult task, even if you're a war veteran. Now, they have the opportunity to turn their military training into college credits.
Finding a job without a college degree can be a difficult task, even if you're a war veteran. Now, they have the opportunity to turn their military training into college credits.
Sunday, May 19 2013 7:58 AM EDT2013-05-19 11:58:46 GMT
Once hailed as a hero after surviving a shotgun blast to his face in 2007, a former police officer is now charged with raping and sexually assaulting two women at gunpoint he met at a party.
Once hailed as a hero after surviving a shotgun blast to his face in 2007, a former police officer is now charged with raping and sexually assaulting two women at gunpoint he met at a party.
Sunday, May 19 2013 1:45 AM EDT2013-05-19 05:45:51 GMT
A Powerball jackpot-winning ticket worth an estimated $590.5 million was sold in Florida, but there were also million-dollar winners sold in Pennsylvania and New Jersey, according to the lottery.
A Powerball jackpot-winning ticket worth an estimated $590.5 million was sold in Florida, but there were also million-dollar winners sold in Pennsylvania and New Jersey, according to the lottery's website.
Saturday, May 18 2013 9:28 PM EDT2013-05-19 01:28:06 GMT
Rain moved in Saturday afternoon and the chance for it will stick around through the seven day forecast.
It becomes very unsettled across our area with clounds and showers again Sunday. The best chance for rain is in the morning and afternoon thunderstorms are possible towards our south.
Sunday is cool but we do warm up well into the 80s by Tuesday. With the warm weather comes a better chance for thunderstorms.
Friday, May 17 2013 11:44 PM EDT2013-05-18 03:44:01 GMT
A couple of Good Samaritans helped rescue a 3-year-old boy's lifeless body from an Allentown creek. Their quick thinking and help from police helped bring the boy back to life.
A couple of Good Samaritans helped rescue a 3-year-old boy's lifeless body from an Allentown creek. Their quick thinking and help from police helped bring the boy back to life.
An entrance to Bryant Elementary School in West Philadelphia is seen Thursday. District officials say they have increased security at the school.
