Man wanted for terroristic threats near NJ school in custody, officials say

SOUTHAMPTON TWP., N.J. (WPVI) -- A shelter-in-place is expected to be lifted after a man wanted for making terroristic threats near a New Jersey school was taken into custody.

The video featured is from a previous report.

Southampton School District officials notified parents Thursday morning that New Jersey State Police have taken the man into custody, according to a text message obtained by Action News.

Community members had previously identified the man as Mark Cozens. A warrant for his arrest on terroristic threats charges was issued Tuesday.

School activities are also expected to resume as normal, including outdoor activities, according to the message.

"As an added precaution, we will continue to maintain our additional security presence on campus. We will also remain in close communication with the New Jersey State Police and continue to assess any additional safety measures that may be necessary," the letter to families said.

This comes after parents in the Southampton School District said they were keeping their children home amid concerns over the situation involving Cozens.

Parents expressed frustration over what they described as delayed communication from the district, despite acknowledging information shared with families Tuesday. They said Cozens property borders school grounds and raised concerns about student safety.

The district superintendent said security had been increased and shelter-in-place procedures were implemented in response to the situation involving the man who lives near the school.

"It's a little nerve-wracking; you never know what he could do," said eighth-grader Logan Mount.

Parents pointed to a timeline distributed by the district to families that outlined incidents dating back to Nov. 2.

"We find out nine days later the timeline and events of this individual that he's been threatening the school where we send our children where we expect the school to keep our children safe," one parent said.

According to the district, the individual drove through the school parking lot twice on Monday and made gestures at security cameras. The district also said it received concerning emails last week indicating self-harm.

Neighbors and parents described loud music coming from the home and what they characterized as disturbing Halloween decorations.

"Until this man is in handcuffs, I'm not sending my kids excused or not period," one parent said.

Parents also cited an October incident in which shots were fired from outside the home while children were outside for the Champions after-school care program. They said they first learned about the incident through Facebook rather than from the school.

"They made a post; they heard shooting; they brought the kids inside; they called the police," one parent said.

Several parents told reporters they will not send their children back to school until the man is apprehended.

"It's going to turn out bad if he's not taken care of, that includes his mental health and him being apprehended," one parent said.

Another parent added, "My children are safe at home rather than being in school under a shelter-in-place, doors locked or what have you. That's not going to stop a bullet if this guy decides to go out in blades of glory and starts shooting guns."

The superintendent has sent a letter to the township requesting an ordinance that would restrict the discharge of firearms within a certain distance of school grounds.