Police continue investigation of suspicious behavior near middle school

HYDE PARK – The Hyde Park Police are continuing to investigate an incident involving a man with a knife, wearing a bulletproof vest on the grounds of Haviland Middle School (HMS) on Monday afternoon.  During the initial investigation, the suspect, Daniel Prospero, a 54-year-old Hyde Park resident, was taken into custody and transported to a local hospital for a psychological evaluation.

After seventh-period lunch on Monday, Hyde Park Schools Superintendent Dr. Pedro Roman said students were returning to the building when lunch monitors observed a man in camo clothing riding a bicycle and approaching the school’s back lot.  When the monitors approached, the man sped away.

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Hyde Park Police Sergeant McGaw, the School Resource Officer (SRO) at HMS, was alerted to the man’s presence by monitors, and then he observed the male wearing camouflage clothing riding a bicycle from the HMS property to the neighboring Ralph R. Smith Elementary School.  McGaw climbed into his patrol car and began searching for the man.  During the search, he was informed the man was seen riding his bicycle toward Route 9G.

McGaw eventually located Prospero near Hidden Brook Estates on Violet Avenue (Route 9G) and discovered that Prospero, in addition to the vest, was armed with a hunting-style knife and two rifle magazines, one of which contained several rounds of ammo.  Sgt. McGaw continued interviewing Prospero and developed information leading to the man’s transportation to MidHudson Regional Hospital for a psych evaluation and treatment.

Police canvassed the neighborhood and were unable to locate any firearms or additional evidence in the area of the two schools.

Hyde Park police applied for, and were granted, a Temporary Extreme Risk Protection Order from Judge Rosa on Tuesday.  They also executed a search warrant at Prospero’s residence and found no firearms in the home.

Chief Benson acknowledged the concerns expressed by the parents of students and the community and indicated that an increased police presence at HMS will be there to provide an additional layer of security.

Anyone who may have observed Prospero in the area of Haviland Middle School, Ralph R. Smith Elementary School, Violet Avenue, or the surrounding area on October 5 is asked to contact the Town of Hyde Park Police Department at 845-229-9340.