Manchester Police Chief Ben Davis has issued a release following Tuesday morning’s incident involving an unfamiliar individual approaching the Lambert Elementary playground:
RE: Suspicious Person – Lambert Elementary
For Immediate Release –
On October 14th, 2025, at 10:57 AM, Manchester Police received a call of a suspicious person who approached the playground at Lambert Elementary School during recess. The initial description was a male, approximately 5’7”, wearing grey pants and a red flannel shirt. Staff reported that the suspect was out looking for a dog but was concerned due to approaching the playground area. The suspect never approached children, but instead approached the gated area of the playground, where staff promptly approached the suspect before entering any further. Officers were dispatched and canvassed the area and took reports. A screenshot from a Facebook post regarding a suspicious person in Lamont (pictured below) was handed over to officers and it was reported that this was the individual they encountered.
Officers evaluated information available and investigated unoccupied vehicles, patrolled all school areas, and followed leads provided from several other counties including Buchanan, Wapello, and Dubuque in the attempt to evaluate if a threat existed. Extra patrols were dispatched to the school area for the remainder of the day to ensure student safety. Officers diligently followed up on several reports, vehicles, or information as it became available to ensure a appropriate response.
As with any investigation, over time, further information came to light. A new security camera footage was obtained (pictured top of story), and it has been determined that the initial screenshot is not the same individual as the one initially reported. Out of abundance of caution for all students in the Delaware County community, information was shared promptly by staff to keep the students safe with the information provided at the time of the report.
At this time, we do not have a positive ID for the suspect in question, however, there is no crime that has been committed at this time. Information was sent out to ensure students’ safety, and there is no wrongdoing on the part of any staff of any school district. It is important at this time to appreciate the fact that West Delaware and Maquoketa Valley Staff did their best to keep all their students safe to the best of their ability and did their best to keep families informed with what was available. It was abundantly clear that every student’s safety was the foremost thought during this entire situation for both districts.
We do not believe there to be any threat to any district at this time. Until more information presents itself, we want to thank West Delaware and Maquoketa Valley schools for their swift dedication to school and public safety. If anyone has information regarding the most updated photo attached, please contact us at the Manchester Police Department.
Chief Benjamin A. Davis
Manchester PD