Police Seek Help Identifying Person on School Grounds

Lynchburg police are asking residents for tips about an unknown individual seen repeatedly on Linkhorne school property after hours.

Updated on Nov. 4, 2026 in Property Crime

Flat-color editorial illustration of an empty playground swing set silhouetted against a dark blue night sky, evoking concern about after-hours presence at a school. — Lynchburg police are asking residents to help identify an unknown person seen repeatedly on Linkhorne Elementary and Middle School grounds after hours. AI Illustration. Upload story photo >

The Lynchburg Police Department, working with Lynchburg City Schools, is asking the public to help identify an unknown individual seen on the grounds of Linkhorne Elementary School and Linkhorne Middle School. The person was observed on multiple occasions after hours, including trespassing at night and taking photos on school grounds.

Why it matters

School grounds and playgrounds in Lynchburg are open only during designated hours and are closed after dark unless an official school function is taking place. Repeated after-hours presence on school property raises safety concerns for students and staff in the community.

The investigation remains open with no suspect identified, and police are requesting tips through School Resource Officer Scruggs at (434) 485-2652, Crime Stoppers at (888) 798-5900, anonymously online, or via the P3 Tips app. The individual's identity and intentions on school grounds have not been determined.

The players

Lynchburg Police Department

The municipal law enforcement agency serving Lynchburg, Virginia, which is leading the request for public assistance in identifying the individual.

Lynchburg City Schools

The public school district that partnered with police on the request and oversees Linkhorne Elementary and Linkhorne Middle School.

The details

Police said the individual was seen on school grounds at Linkhorne Elementary and Linkhorne Middle School on several occasions after hours, trespassing at night and photographing the property. Anyone with information is encouraged to contact authorities through the listed channels.

Police publicly requested help identifying the individual on November 4, 2026.

Legal Context

Unauthorized presence on school property after hours falls under Virginia's trespass statutes, which apply whether or not the individual intends harm. Cases like this one typically depend on identifying the person before any charges can be filed.

Parents and neighbors near Linkhorne Elementary and Linkhorne Middle School may see increased attention to after-hours activity around campus. Residents who recognize the individual or have seen suspicious activity can report it through the listed police and school contacts.

The takeaway

Report suspicious activity around schools promptly, since identifying an individual often depends on tips from people who saw them. Parents can also remind children that school grounds are closed after dark unless an official event is taking place.