'Suspicious Vehicle' Seen On Middle School Property: Berkeley Police

BERKELEY, NJ — A Manahawkin man was charged for trespassing after he was found sitting in a car on Central Regional Middle School property and refused to cooperate with police, according to a news release.

Police said they responded to a "suspicious vehicle" parked on the school's property at about 1 p.m. on Tuesday.

There were two occupants in the Ford pickup truck, and police said that they "had no official business" on the school property.

While attempting to identify the two and provide warnings, the front passenger, later identified as Jose E. Acosta, refused to provide any information and became uncooperative, police said.

Acosta, 34, of Manahawkin, was removed from the pickup truck and arrested, police said. He was processed at Berkeley Township Police Headquarters where he was charged with trespassing on school property and obstruction.

He was released on his own recognizance pending a future court date, police said.

Police said that at no point was there any threat to the students or staff at Central Regional. Precautionary measures were taken to protect the students and staff during the investigation. No weapons were observed or threats made during this incident, police said.