UPDATE: Pelham Schools Worker Harassed by Stranger

(UPDATE: Feb. 3, 2012) Police are reaching out to any other woman who may have been harassed by the suspect in Thursday’s incident on Wolfs Lane and Franklin Place.

Peham village Police Joseph Benefico said his department has received word that there may have been other women at the school who may have been approached.

“We don’t think it was students, we think it may have been other employees at the school who may have been approached by a similarly described suspect,” Benefico said during a community meeting on Thursday.

Benefico said anyone who was harassed should come to police headquarters so they can confirm that there are additional incidents.

Anyone with information with information can contact Pelham village police at (914) 738-2000.

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A staff member for the Pelham school district was harrassed earlier today while she was on the corner of Wolfs Lane and Franklin Place, according to an e-mail sent by the school district.

The incident happened at about 11:40 a.m. when the female staff member was approached by an unknown male. The stranger asked the woman for her name and allegedly grabbed the woman when she was refused. The woman broke free from the stranger and returned to work without further incident.

The stranger allegedly drove away in a white Astro van.

In the e-mail sent out today, Pelham schools Superintendent Dennis Lauro wrote:

“As you can likely imagine, we are concerned and taking this matter very seriously.  Please take this opportunity to reaffirm with your children the importance of not talking to strangers, and traveling in groups whenever possible.  Most importantly, please encourage your child to speak with a responsible adult at school or with you at home if they notice or experience anything out of the ordinary.  In addition, each building principal will be reviewing safety procedures in each of our schools with your children.”

The incident has since been reported to Pelham village police and is under investigation.

The suspect is described as being 5 feet 11 inches tall, about 195 pounds, 25 to 30 years old, with a dark complexion. He was wearing a dark blue baseball hat, a dark colored Northface jacket, dark blue baggy jeans and sneakers.

Anyone with information can contact Pelham police at (914) 738-2000.