Knife-wielding suspect arrested after school threats spark lockdown

A knife-wielding suspect was captured after school threats triggered a regional lockdown and standoff on a Vineland bus.
Knife-wielding suspect arrested after school threats spark lockdown
NJ Transit Bus - Photo 20604054 © Lei Xu | Dreamstime.com

MAYS LANDING, N.J. — A man who allegedly made threats against area schools was arrested Wednesday after brandishing a knife on a New Jersey Transit bus, prompting a law enforcement response and a partial lockdown in multiple school facilities, police said.


Key Points

  • Herbert L. Myers, 42, allegedly made threats against schools in Mays Landing.
  • He was found on a NJ Transit bus in Vineland and drew a knife during police contact.
  • Myers was charged with false public alarms and terroristic threats.

Schools placed on alert during investigation

The Township of Hamilton Police Department said the investigation began after receiving a call on April 9 from a subject making threats toward schools in the Mays Landing area.

Authorities notified local schools immediately, prompting increased security and a police presence in and around educational facilities.

Officers from both the Township of Hamilton and the Atlantic County Sheriff’s Office were deployed to the area. No incidents occurred at any of the schools during the investigation.

Knife drawn on NJ Transit bus

Detectives tracked the suspect, Herbert L. Myers, 42, to a New Jersey Transit bus traveling through Vineland.

When police made contact with Myers on board, he pulled a knife, according to authorities.

All bus passengers, the driver, and law enforcement personnel were safely evacuated. Vineland Police responded to assist in securing the scene and closing the area near Landis Avenue and Main Road.

Suspect in custody, facing charges

Myers ultimately surrendered without injury and was taken into custody. He was charged with second-degree false public alarms and third-degree terroristic threats and is being held at the Atlantic County Justice Facility pending a detention hearing.

Authorities stated that additional charges may be filed pending the outcome of the ongoing investigation.