Manhattan man arrested following trespass incidents at USD 383 schools.
We understand parents’ concerns for their children’s safety at school and want to give an update on incidents today at multiple schools.
We were called to Susan B. Anthony Middle School around 7:30 a.m. this morning for the report of a suspicious man in the building during the arrival time of students. This person was stopped by school staff, directed to the office, then was asked to leave the school and refused. Ultimately, the school staff did the right thing, and called us to come and investigate this person. During this time, students were held in their classrooms until the situation was resolved. Before officers arrived at the school, the man ended up leaving the building and driving away.
He was found a short time later in the parking lot of University Christian Church, which also operates as a preschool, where he made comments to officers that he was searching for his father. During this time, the man was respectful and cordial. At the request of the USD 383 Superintendent, the man was trespassed from all USD 383 property and activities.
Around 9:30 a.m., we were called to Amanda Arnold Elementary School, whose staff reported the man was at the school. Officers quickly arrived and arrested Samuel Osenga, 22, of Manhattan without incident for criminal trespass. Osenga was not in possession of any weapons at the time of his arrest and we have no reason to believe he had any intention of harming students at any school.
We want to emphasize that if we believe there is a threat at any of our schools, we will respond as quickly as possible and parents will be notified. We continue to have a strong working relationship with all of our schools and their staff, and appreciate their cooperation in any investigations or incidents that occur. The safety of our community's children is and will remain a top priority at RCPD.