Statement of Gloucester Township Police Chief David Harkins Regarding Suspicious Person Incident at Timber Creek High School on October 17, 2022:
"On October 17, 2022 at approximately 11:53 AM, a 31 year old former student of Timer Creek High School, Saliym Starkey, entered the school, and within a minute was encountered by a staff member. The Gloucester Township Police School Resource Officer was on the campus, was alerted and immediately responded and took Starkey into custody and took him out of the building. Starkey was not armed, but was acting erratically stating that he was a former track athlete, and that he wanted to volunteer to help with the track team. He was carrying a bag of running shoes, and stated he wanted to give them to the track team.
Further investigation and a review of surveillance camera footage revealed that Starkey went to a door in the rear of the school that leads to a storage area for sports equipment. The door was closed, but it appears that the locking mechanism latch was not working properly, which allowed Starkey to make entry into the school.
School officials were made aware of the issue with the door, and repairs were made immediately. An inspection of all other doors was conducted, and all doors were found to be secured and in proper working order.
Mr. Starkey was arrested, charged with 4th degree Criminal Trespass (2C:18-3A), was released and transported to a medical facility for mental health evaluation.
The Gloucester Township Police Department regularly trains with the Timber Creek High School staff, we conduct security drills, and we perform inspections of the facility for safety. We are reviewing our schools security procedures along with the school district staff, and will evaluate how we can make the school even safer.
I have been in contact with Black Horse Pike Regional School District Superintendent, Dr. Brian Repici, and they too will be reviewing their security procedures and protocols.
The safety of our school students is the highest priority for the Gloucester Township Police Department and for the staff of Timber Creek High School."
Please direct all questions and comments to [email protected]
