Durham police searching for man who entered middle school bathroom, asked students inappropriate questions

The man "startled some students" and violated their privacy, according to DPS spokesperson Chip Sudderth.

"We’ve received reports that this person said inappropriate things to the students, asking for attention," Sudderth said.

A message from Principal Jackie Tobias said that the man was not authorized to be on campus. Sudderth said they were unsure how the man got past the school's security.

The district is working with Durham police to investigate what happened. Tobias said the school has security footage of what happened and handed it over to investigators.

The man was seen wearing a green-hooded sweatshirt with white writing on the forearms and jeans. Durham police said he was last seen walking south on N. Duke Street near Fenway Avenue.

Officials would not provide WRAL News with security footage due to privacy laws.

Bettina Umstead, chair of the Durham Public School's Board of Education, said that schools need to rethink security measures to make sure they are "not easy access for the public." Parents who spoke with WRAL News agreed with her.

"I am absolute shocked about what happens today and thinking about those students and families impacted," she said.

"Durham Public Schools security staff will work with the School Resource Officers and DSA administration to review and tighten safety procedures to prevent another such incident," Sudderth told WRAL News in a statement.

Counseling services will be available for the students involved in the incident, officials said.

"Under any circumstances this is traumatic and inappropriate," he said.

There was no evidence to indicate that the man was a DPS employee.

Anyone with information on the man is asked to call Corporal J. Wagstaff at 919-500-4440. ext. 29324, or Crime Stoppers at 919-683-1200.