N.J. county college evacuates after ex-student threatens security officer
Newton NJ August 25 2023
A former student at a community college in northern New Jersey was arrested Wednesday after threatening to harm a campus security officer, police and school officials said.
Sussex County Community College in Newton reported the threats to police at 6:58 p.m. on Tuesday, according to Newton Township Police Chief Steven VanNieuwland.
College administrators also ordered an evacuation and the campus was closed for the rest of the night.
On Wednesday morning, the school announced a delayed opening and later decided to remain closed for the day as law enforcement was still investigating the incident.
Karl V. Taguinod, 24, was arrested at his residence in Sparta on Wednesday afternoon. He has been charged with two counts of terroristic threats and one count of false public alarm, police said.
“The College is grateful to our security team and law enforcement for working together to peacefully resolve this matter,” said Sussex County Community College President Jon H. Connelly said. “We are also appreciative of community members who reached out with concern for the school and demonstrated great patience during this dynamic situation.”
He is being held in Morris County Jail pending his first court appearance.
