Schools
After Parent's Arrest, Are You More Leery About Student Safety?
Following an incident that took place on the grounds of the John M. Marshall Elementary School, we want to know: Are you satisfied with school security?
News broke after kids were let out of school on Friday that a parent was arrested regarding an incident that took place on school grounds.
Harry Dalian, 36, of East Hampton, was at the John M. Marshall Elementary School to discuss school safety with the principal on Wednesday, when he ran into two village police officers who just happened to be there. He identified himself as an NYPD officer, showed his badge and his identification, according to police, who felt something wasn't right and investigated further over the next few days.
On Friday, they placed him under arrest during a traffic stop in Wainscott. He had a loaded 9mm handgun, for which he has a permit. That gun and eight other legal, hand guns have since been confiscated due to the pending charges.
At East Hampton Justice Court on Friday evening, his attorney Eddie Burke Jr. said he was simply concerned about school safety after he became aware that there was an open or unlocked door during school hours.
While East Hampton Village Police Chief Jerry Larsen and School Superintendent Rich Burns said on Saturday that students and staff were not in danger at any time — and that there is no evidence to suggest Dalian brought his gun to school when he visited on Wednesday — the incident certainly brings to the forefront school security in East Hampton.
We ask parents of school-age children how concerned they are about school security? Does this incident make you more leery? What are your concerns as your children head back to John Marshall on Monday?
Leave your thoughts and concerns in the comments below.
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