Medford police arrest man after suspicious incident reported at NJ school

MEDFORD, New Jersey (WPVI) -- A man was arrested on Monday night after police and bomb squad units were called to investigate a suspicious incident at school in Medford, New Jersey.

The investigation began around 4 p.m. when a man reportedly tried to enter the Burlington County Institute of Technology on Hawkin Road.

Police say the suspect, identified as 34-year-old Gregory Nicholas, tried to enter the school through multiple doors after having contact with school staff.

The man was detained after police arrived.

"[He was] trying to get in and told, kind of, to leave... Since there were some kids at the school, we took additional action to make sure the school was safe," said Lt. James D'Averso with the Medford Police Department

According to police, an explosives detection K9 provided a positive indication to the presence of potentially explosive material within the vehicle, which then prompted the evacuation of the school.

The view from Chopper 6 showed the bomb squad unit using robots to inspect a white van on the school's property.

It was later determined that there was no threat within the school or inside the vehicle.

Nicholas was charged with creating a false public alarm, trespassing, possession of a weapon on school property (knife), and hindering his own apprehension.

Police are still investigating why Nicholas was trying to enter the school.

No physical injuries were reported.

Skeets Road and Hawkins Road were closed until 7 p.m., and nearby residents were advised to shelter in place until the all-clear was given.

In a statement, Superintendent Chris Nagy said, "We are grateful to the administration and quick response from Medford police to address this situation."