Sioux Falls School Takes Heat for No Info on Possible Threat

SIOUX FALLS, S.D. (AP) — Some Sioux Falls residents are questioning why school district officials didn't notify the public about a homeless man alleging trying to lure children away from an elementary school.

Attempted kidnapping charges have been filed against the man, but a warrant wasn't issued until three weeks after teachers first noticed the man talking to students at Lowell Elementary School.

Parent Matt Marshall tells the Argus Leader that he would have liked to have been informed about the concerns right away. He says, "whenever there's a chance your child's in danger, you'd like to know the situation."

Sioux Falls Superintendent Brian Maher says school officials wanted to avoid creating a panic while police determined if the man was a threat. He says there's a balance between student safety and creating hysteria.

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