WWPS explains trespass citation of man with camera
By Dan Thesman on Tuesday, March 19th, 2024 in Columbia Basin News More Top Stories
WALLA WALLA – Walla Walla Public Schools Superintendent Wade Smith is addressing a trespassing complaint issued by his office on Friday, March 1, at the request of Transportation Director John Griffith. Smith said he was informed about a man who entered the district’s transportation department building wearing sunglasses, hat, full mask, and a body camera.
A YouTube video uploaded Monday shows the man asking Griffith questions about school bus operations and maintenance. When Griffith questioned who the man was working for, the man said he’s “working on stories for himself” and only gives his first name, Steve.
Griffith ended the interview when the man refused to give more information about himself. Moments later, the man began entering a hallway when another transportation employee stands up, exits his office, and repeatedly asks the man to exit the premises.
The police were eventually called when the man refused to leave. When officers arrived, they trespassed the man from the property for two years. When asked if he’d like to provide the officers any form of identification, the man said no. Smith said the trespass order was issued for the safety of staff and added, “I have never met this gentleman nor interacted with him in any way.”
