Deputies investigate unusual incident at Louisiana elementary; uber driver buries Buddhist items near school

NEW ORLEANS (WVUE) – The St. Charles Parish Sheriff’s Office is investigating a suspicious incident reported Wednesday afternoon at Norco Elementary School but says there is no credible threat to the public.

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According to the sheriff’s office, deputies received the report around 5 p.m. after an Uber driver dropped off a grandparent at the school to pick up a student. The driver was operating a light-colored truck with Uber and foreign-language stickers and a bed rack decorated with Tibetan prayer flags.

Deputies said the driver parked, got out of the vehicle and walked around the area before digging a small hole at the base of a tree and placing an object inside. The item was later identified as a religious prayer pendant. The driver also placed religious stickers on electrical poles near the school.

Investigators said the stickers and pendant are commonly used in Tibetan Buddhist practices meant for protection and purification and are not intended to convey any harm.

Detectives identified the driver as a Chinese national and contacted the FBI for assistance.

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Federal authorities confirmed the man is a lawful permanent U.S. resident with a green card issued in 2010 and no known criminal history.

The sheriff’s office said that although the behavior appeared unusual, investigators found no credible threats to the school, students or staff. The investigation remains ongoing as a precaution.

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