DAUPHIN COUNTY, Pa. — A woman has been arrested after allegedly trying to forcefully enter Hershey Elementary School.
According to the Derry Township Police Department, on Friday, March 15 at 10:45 a.m., Erica A. Dubose, 37, from Baltimore, Maryland, attempted to forcefully enter an unauthorized part of the main office of Hershey Elementary School by pulling on a locked door and yelling loudly.
The Derry Township School District incident response team and the Derry Township Police School Resource Officer reported to the scene while safety measures were taken inside the school.
Dubose reportedly fled the scene in her vehicle, prompting a response from Derry Township Police Department.
A pursuit ensued, involving several roadways near the DTSD campus. It ended when Dubose stopped her vehicle in a parking lot at 201 Park Avenue in Hershey.
She was safely taken into custody by Derry Township Police. She has been charged with criminal trespassing, fleeing or attempting to elude officer(s), disorderly conduct, trespass by motor vehicle and driving while operating privilege is suspended.
According to the Derry Township Police Department, it is unknown what Dubose's motive was in attempting to enter the school. Officers are unaware of any connection she would have had to the school, staff or students.
It was determined Dubose was unarmed when she attempted to forcefully enter th school building.
The Derry Township School District released the following statement regarding the incident:
"First and foremost, we want to share that all students and staff are safe.
With a commitment to keeping families fully informed, we want to provide you with details of an incident that occurred on Derry Township School District’s campus. Today, March 15, at approximately 10:45 am, an unidentified woman attempted to gain access to the main office of Hershey Elementary School by forcefully pulling on the door, and causing a disturbance. In response, our safety plans and team were immediately deployed. Upon arrival it was clear that additional support would be needed from Derry Township Police, who immediately responded. The individual fled from campus in her vehicle. During this time, there was heavy police traffic on Homestead Road.
As a precautionary measure, students were brought inside from recess, and recess periods were held indoors while authorities worked to apprehend the individual. Throughout this time, contact was maintained with police through joint command communications and physical presence to ensure continued safety. Given the location and timing of the incident, students remained unaware of the situation.
Around 11:30 am, this individual was apprehended by police, and our schools returned to regular operating procedures including outdoor recess.
We want to express our heartfelt gratitude to the Derry Township Police Department for their swift action in safeguarding our students, staff, and school grounds. Additionally, we commend our District and Elementary administration and staff for their composed and rapid response, ensuring the safety and well-being of all."
