13 May, 2017
Police arrested the two suspects wanted for hanging a noose at outside an Anne Arundel County middle school earlier this week.
Conner Charles Prout (left) and John Adam Havermann (right) were charged with trespass posted property, trespass school property, disturbing school operations and disorderly conduct/disturbing the peace.
"I am hopeful that this swift arrest offers at least some degree of closure for the students, faculty and staff at the Crofton Middle School", said Anne Arundel Police Chief Timothy Altomare.
"There's just no question that it's very disturbing", Anne Arundel County Public Schools spokesman Bob Mosier said.
Shortly before 11 a.m., a teacher reported to our administration that there was a noose hanging in front of a window that looks out on our courtyard. A school custodian immediately removed the noose after police were contacted.
After reviewing surveillance video, detectives were able to determine that early Thursday morning, two suspects gained access to the roof and placed the noose on the light fixture.
We pride ourselves on being an inclusive and supportive school community.
He said community feedback expressed thanks for quick distribution of information about the incident from both school officials and the police.
Crofton Middle's noose sighting comes after similar racist incidents on college campuses in the area. A few weeks ago, a noose was found at a fraternity house kitchen at the University of Maryland, College Park. The noose was hung between midnight and 2 a.m. Thursday, he added.
Authorities released several images taken from surveillance video footage at Crofton Middle School.
