FORT WALTON BEACH, Fla. — A 29-year-old Fort Walton Beach man has been arrested after allegedly filming children at a preschool facility on Clifford Street and then running from a deputy who made contact with him, the Okaloosa County Sheriff’s Office (OCSO) announced Tuesday.
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Staff members reported that Matthew Teems entered the preschool building, requested to enroll a child, received paperwork, and then left. He was later spotted on the property recording children on the playground with his cell phone.
An employee told the children to go inside. According to the OCSO, Mr Teems followed them toward the school while continuing to video.
A School Resource Deputy located Mr Teems nearby. Deputies said he denied filming the children, then attempted to flee by hopping into the bed of a passing pickup truck, climbing across it, and jumping off the hood before running into nearby woods.
Mr Teems was eventually taken into custody near the Crosslake Cove apartments. Deputies reported finding a can of bear spray in his pocket.
He is charged with possession of a weapon on school grounds, possession of a weapon by a convicted felon, armed trespassing, resisting an officer without violence, and prowling, the OCSO said.
