Suspect Arrested In Intrusions That Prompted Lockdowns In N.J. Schools
UNION CITY, N.J. (CBSNewYork) -- Police in New Jersey said Friday that they have caught the intruder who triggered lockdowns at two schools.
Raymond Pinkney was arrested on Wednesday near his Newark home, and charged with burglary.
Police said he was the man who was spotted around 8 a.m. Thursday, May 22, at George Washington Elementary School in Union City.
Police said the man got into the school and was found rummaging through a desk in a basement office. The school was placed under lockdown as a precaution.
The man fled into a stairwell and exited the building, Union City Police Chief Richard Molinari said.
Around 4 p.m. the same day in neighboring Weehawken, Daniel Webster No. 2 Elementary School was placed on lockdown after an unidentified man believed to be the same suspect entered the building.
Despite having armed security, Weehawken Schools Superintendent Kevin J. McLellan said the man may have just walked through the front door, 1010 WINS' Glenn Schuck reported at the time.
Parent Jaime Coutroulis said the man entered the school hours before the lockdown, prompting some teachers to lock their doors. She claims the school principal was aware, but did not take action until much later.
Following an investigation, police were led to Pinkney, whom Union City police described as "a suspect with considerable criminal history and similar method of operation."
Pinkney provided Union City detectives with a statement about his involvement in the incidents, police said. His bail was set at $30,000 cash or bond by Union City Judge Sixto Macias.
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