Suspect photos released in George Washington Elementary lockdown

UNION CITY, New Jersey (WABC) -- Surveillance photos have been released of the suspect who sparked a lockdown at George Washington Elementary School on Thursday.

Around 8:30 a.m., police say somebody in the school saw someone who should not have been there and alerted authorities.

Police responded and searched the school, but the alleged intruder exited out a side door.

Investigators believe the suspect was trying to burglarize a basement office. They released these photos of the suspect carrying a back pack as he was walking through a basement area of the school:

Detectives believe the intruder entered the building with parents at the beginning of the school day.

Fear and frustration were evident from the dozens of parents who waited outside for over an hour to get word on the status of the children.

By 10:30 a.m., all clear was given and parents and relatives were allowed to get their kids and take them home.