(UPDATE) Suspicious Activity School Near Rochester School

Update: Elgin Man Charged for Disturbing Incident Outside of Rochester Elementary School 

(UPDATE) - Rochester Police Department spokesperson Amanda Grayson says an incident this afternoon that prompted a significant law enforcement response to an elementary school involved a man seen dousing himself with liquid from what appeared to be a gas can.

Grayson says the responding officers used an "impact projectile" to incapacitate the man and take him into custody near Franklin Elementary School along 8th Avenue Southeast. She says the incident did not result in a fire, but fire extinguishers and fire blankets are used as a precaution.

The man was transported for a medical of valuation before he was taken to the Olmsted County Adult Detention Center. The incident, which occurred around 2:15 PM, remains under investigation.

The Rochester Public Schools issued this statement concerning the incident.

Dear RPS Community,

This afternoon, a significant police presence was at Franklin Elementary in response to an individual in need of support outside the school building. Franklin Elementary contacted the Rochester Police Department, who responded effectively. The situation has been resolved.

The Rochester Police Department has just released a statement regarding the incident that occurred, which we are sharing with you in its entirety.

"Rochester Police officers observed the man dousing himself with liquid from what appeared to be a gas can. Officers used an impact projectile to incapacitate the man and take him into custody. There was no fire, but fire extinguishers and fire blankets were used as a precaution. The man is being evaluated by medical staff before being transported to the Adult Detention Center."

When the incident described in this bulletin from RPD occurred, no students were in close proximity to the individual. We place the highest priority on the safety of our students and are grateful to the principal and staff at Franklin Elementary who responded immediately and effectively to this incident.

Thank you,

Rochester Public Schools

______________________________________________

(previous post below)

Rochester, MN 9KROC-AM News) - There was a significant law enforcement presence outside a Rochester elementary school this afternoon.

Rochester Police Department Communications Coordinator Amanda Grayson says officers were dispatched to 8th Avenue Southeast outside Franklin Elementary School around 2:15 PM. The response was due to a report of a man acting suspiciously.

According to Grayson, the responding officers quickly diffused any threat when they arrived at the scene. The man was detained, and the incident is under investigation.

No further information has been released.

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