BAYONNE — A nine-year old boy from Woodrow Wilson School went missing for two and half hours after he allegedly told a substitute teacher that he was allowed to walk home on his own.
According to a release issued by the Bayonne School district, on Oct. 25, a third grade student at Woodrow Wilson School reported to his teacher that he would not be following his regular routine of walking home with his grandmother and would walk home by himself. At dismissal time the child was allowed to leave alone.
“His grandmother arrived at the school and reported to the principal that her grandson could not be found. The principal spoke to the teacher who reported that the child had walked home,” the release said. “Woodrow Wilson School Principal Charles Costello immediately phoned the Bayonne Police Department and the Central Office Administration. Mr. Robert Craig, assistant superintendent of schools, left Central Office and reported to Woodrow Wilson School.”
The city activated its missing child alter system which notifies city workers including the fire department.
“The Bayonne Fire Department conducted a thorough search of the school building and grounds several times while at the school looking for the child. The Police Department searched the parks; restaurants and other locations in Bayonne, as well as in Jersey City,” the school district reported. “The student was located walking on Broadway and 23rd Street at approximately 5:30 p.m.”