Man arrested after dispute at school spurs brief lockdown

A 56-year-old Cape Girardeau man was arrested after an argument Wednesday afternoon at Alma Schrader Elementary, causing a brief lockdown at the school.

The following day, Gregory M. Benn was charged with third-degree assault and property damage, both misdemeanors.

Dana Saverino, director of communications for the district, said the incident arose from a minor dispute.

“(The lockdown) was just a precaution. We wanted to make sure our kids are safe,” she said.

Sgt. Adam Glueck of the Cape Girardeau Police Department said Benn, who was at the school to pick up his granddaughter, got into an argument with someone inside.

It was not clear what sparked his anger.

He is accused of grabbing a school administrator by the arms and pushing her outside the building — and also damaging the tailgate of a truck in the parking lot, although Glueck said he wasn’t sure what happened first.

“He was believed to be intoxicated,” Glueck said.

The incident happened about 2:30 p.m. Wednesday, right before or during dismissal.

Although no one was injured, “they went on a lockdown because they were afraid he might come back in the school,” Glueck said.

Benn was arrested at the scene, and another family member was called to pick up his granddaughter.

He was being held Thursday afternoon on a $5,000 cash or surety bond.

ljones@semissourian.com

(573) 388-3652

Pertinent address:

1360 Randol Ave., Cape Girardeau, Mo.