Man Found Sleeping in School, Charged with Trespassing

Administrators found a man sleeping in the hallway of Brooklyn Park Middle School on Wednesday morning, according to Anne Arundel County police.

Police said Kenneth Michael Carpenter, 29, of Annapolis was charged with burglary, trespassing and disrupting school operations.

Just after 7 a.m., officers responded to the school for a report of a trespasser. Police said surveillance video showed Carpenter was by himself and was able to enter after he pulled on the building's front door that was apparently not fully latched. 

Carpenter reportedly walked the school hallways and was later found lying down near the media center, where he was discovered. Police said the school was evacuated of staff and students, and arriving students were taken to the auditorium while a search of the school was conducted.

Officers searched the building thoroughly and did not find anyone else in the school, nor did they find any suspicious items or damage.

A letter to parents was posted on the school's website.

"While situations like this are troubling, it is important for you to know that your child’s safety is our top priority," wrote Principal Temisha Kinard. "I assure you that our staff recognizes that a safe and orderly environment is not only necessary, but also the standard for our entire school community. We will discuss this situation as a staff and determine what improvements we can make moving forward."