The incident that took place on Thursday May 24, 2018 began as a routine traffic stop at approximately 1:45 pm. A passenger in the car eloped and ran toward VEM pursued by police officers. Identified as Jamil B. Lewis, 21, of Somerset, the individual ran into the alley between the two VEM classroom wings. According to surveillance footage the intruder was seen trying to enter the building through a door in the alley, but the door was locked. He then saw and entered an open door to the custodial receiving room. A maintenance staff member was at the door and made efforts to keep the intruder from entering the building. He then chased the intruder out of the building. All the while the MPD were in pursuit from other areas around the school. The school was immediately put into a Lockdown by police. 4th grade students were outside having recess and were brought back into safe areas of the building. Simultaneously all other schools were put into a Shelter in Place. The entire encounter inside VEM took less than a minute.
Once the Middlesex Police entered the scene and announced the Lockdown, except for the superintendent putting the other schools into a Shelter in Place, the administration took direction from the police. The police advised the superintendent that a perimeter had been set up to ensure no students would accidentally be confronted or find themselves in the search zone and to release the MHS students for a normal dismissal. The incident occurred at VEM at 1:46 PM and the MHS students were not dismissed until 2:30 PM. The police felt that the students would not be at any increased risk. They also advised that Parker and Hazelwood Schools could be dismissed at 3:10 PM.
After much discussion with police it was decided that there would be a delayed and controlled release of students from VEM and Watchung. This release was done incrementally beginning with the oldest students so that they would be able to meet up easily with younger siblings. Multiple Honeywell Instant Alerts were sent to update parents.
Today Mr. Sirna and Mr. Regan met with every student in smaller grade level groups to tell them exactly what transpired and to ensure they had adequate time to process the information. The school counselors were available all day for students and staff who needed additional support.
Next week a debriefing of the incident and the safety protocols will be reviewed by MPD with school administrators. Routines are being examined and re-training of all staff will take place next week to reinforce safety protocols and procedures.
I thank the parents who took the time to write an email to me, and I will be sharing your thoughts with others in the district. This is the link to the letter that I sent out via eblast yesterday to parents and the community in case you missed it: https://goo.gl/MjbXcu
Dr. Madison, Superintendent of Schools
