The superintendent of Barrington Public Schools is warning residents to steer clear of a former Barrington High School student who was spotted at the school earlier this week.

Barrington Superintendent of Schools Rob Wargo sent a district-wide email on Thursday, Jan. 9, warning people to refrain from confronting Matthew Pilling — a former resident and member of the Barrington High School Class of 2006. 

According to the superintendent’s message, Pilling recently sent unsolicited emails to Barrington School Department staff and also appeared at Barrington High School on Wednesday, Jan. 8, in an attempt to contact a BHS teacher. 

Wargo’s email stated that the Barrington Police Department has issued a no trespassing order for Pilling for Barrington High School and all other Barrington school properties. 

“If you see this individual on campus, please do not confront him. Call 911 first and then notify the school’s main office,” stated the email. 

Wargo wrote that Pilling does not currently reside in Barrington. He added that Pilling’s prior contacts with local law enforcement have not been violent. 

“While there are no immediate safety risks to our community, his activities have prompted us to take precautionary measures,” Wargo wrote. 

Police have reported a few other incidents that allegedly involved Pilling. On Monday, Aug. 26, 2024, a custodian at Barrington Middle School found a suspicious note allegedly written by Pilling. 

During an interview at that time, Barrington Police Chief Michael Correia said the note was not specifically threatening in nature, but the author of the two-page note — Pilling was not identified at that time — alleges being tormented or tortured during their time at the school. No other details of the note were released. 

On Sept. 3, 2024, officials at Holy Angels Church contacted Barrington Police after they discovered a suspicious letter left at the church — it is believed that Pilling left the letter. 

Police said the letters were “unsettling, for sure,” but did not appear to be threatening. 

On Friday, Jan. 3, school officials received an email from Pilling. Police said the email was addressed to Barrington Schools Superintendent Rob Wargo, and also to former US President Barack Obama and the New York City mayor. 

On Monday, Jan. 6, police said they were trying to locate the homeless man — officials were trying to issue him a no trespass order. Police said the department’s intent is to try to get the man some help. At that time, police said there were no concerns of any imminent actions by the individual.