Punta Gorda police arrested a man accused of repeatedly trespassing on the campus of Charlotte High School and making female students feel unsafe.
The incidents happened after school dismissal when teachers were no longer on campus. Although security is present, the size of the campus made it difficult for them to spot the intruder during both visits.
On Friday, police said 32-year-old Gavin Jackson walked through the school gates and loitered near the Performing Arts building, reportedly watching student-athletes through a fence.
Police said Jackson then walked to the school’s agricultural barn, where he approached a female student and asked her a series of disturbing questions:
“Are you safe? Do you have a boyfriend? What’s your name? What grade are you in? What goes on out here?”
The student took a photo of Jackson, and police were called. She told officers she had seen him watching girls through the fence for the past two days.
Officers searched the area on Friday but were unable to locate him.
Then on Sunday, police said Jackson returned to the barn and approached another female student who was feeding cows. This time, police arrived in time.
According to police, Jackson gave bizarre reasons for being there. He told officers he felt “a dark and shady energy emanating from the barn” and claimed he saw “a young pretty girl alone” who “may be in danger.”
Jackson was officially arrested for misdemeanor trespassing on Tuesday on Scott Street.
The school district confirmed it is looking into the situation.
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