Man arrested after yelling near elementary school playground in Maryland
CRESAPTOWN, MD — A Pennsylvania man was arrested after allegedly approaching an elementary school playground and yelling while students were outside during recess, according to the Allegany County Sheriff’s Office.
The incident happened Thursday, May 7, at about 1 p.m. at Cresaptown Elementary School.
Authorities said a suspicious man approached the playground area while students and staff members were outside.
Investigators said the man began yelling near the playground, prompting a staff member to immediately alert the school’s assigned Board of Education School Safety Employee.
When the safety employee attempted to make contact with the man, authorities said he fled on foot.
The school safety employee followed the suspect until a Sheriff’s Office School Resource Officer arrived and detained him.
Officials identified the man as 40-year-old Zachary John Prettyman of Glenolden, Pennsylvania.
During the incident, school staff quickly moved students safely back inside the building and placed the school into secure status.
Authorities said the suspect never made direct contact with students or staff members.
Prettyman was arrested and charged with disturbing school operations and disorderly conduct.
━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━
Key Points
• Man arrested after approaching Cresaptown Elementary playground
• School placed into secure status while students brought inside
• Suspect charged with disturbing school operations and disorderly conduct