Parents in the Southampton School District say they are keeping their children home as concerns grow over an ongoing situation involving a man who lives near school property and is wanted on a warrant for terroristic threats.
Parents expressed frustration over what they described as delayed communication from the district, despite acknowledging information shared with families Tuesday. They said the man's property borders school grounds and raised concerns about student safety.
In South Jersey, parents are voicing
their concerns over safety in their school district.
It comes as a man is accused of recklessly firing a gun
on his property near a school campus and harassing staff members.
Action News reporter Brianna Gallagher
is in Southampton Township tonight with that story.
I spoke with a number of parents tonight.
They are past the point of frustration.
While they appreciate today's communication,
they say it's the fact that nothing was communicated sooner.
And the person the police are looking for tonight,
his property line borders the school.
And the direction at which he's shooting meets the preschool,
school two, recess area.
Where my daughter plays every single day.
Parents in Southampton School District are outraged tonight.
He can shoot from his house into these school windows.
That's how close it is.
The superintendent says they've increased security
and implemented shelter-in-place procedures
after an ongoing situation involving a man living near school grounds.
It's a little nerve-wracking because, like,
You never know what he can do.
Community members have identified him as Mark Cousins.
Yesterday, a warrant for terroristic threats was issued for his arrest.
Parents shared this timeline
which the school sent to families today with incidents dating
back to November 2nd.
We find out nine days later the timeline and events of this individual.
On Monday, the district said the individual drove through
the school parking lot twice
making gestures at security cameras.
Last week, they received concerning emails indicating self-harm.
Neighbors and parents described loud music coming from the home
and disturbing Halloween decorations.
Until this man is in handcuffs, I'm not sending my kids.
shots were fired from outside of his home back in October
while kids were outside for the Champions after-school care.
Parents say they found out through Facebook first, not the school.
They made a post that they heard shooting.
They brought the kids inside. They called the police.
My children are safe at home.
Rather than being in school, the superintendent sent a letter
to the township requesting an ordinance restricting the discharge
of firearms within a certain distance of school grounds.
We reached out to state police tonight but have not heard back.
At this point, Cousins whereabouts are unknown.
Reporting here in Southampton Township, New Jersey,
Brianna Gallagher, Channel 6 Action News.
