UCC Student Charged With Bringing Fake Guns To Campus

CRANFORD, NJ — A Union County College student was arrested and charged with bringing fake guns into a classroom on the main campus in Cranford Monday morning, authorities announced.

Eric Jacobs, 20, of Millburn in Essex County, is charged with fourth-degree possession of an imitation firearm for an unlawful purpose and creating a hazardous condition, a disorderly persons offense, acting Union County Prosecutor Michael A. Monahan and Cranford Police Chief Ryan Greco jointly announced.

A college employee spotted "a person who appeared to have a concealed weapon" on campus around 10 a.m. and notified on-site public safety personnel.

Cranford Police responded and arrested Jacobs without incident. Jacobs was found to have three fake firearms, including one resembling a rifle and two others resembling handguns, Monahan said.

No lockdown was issued as police arrested the student on the spot, containing the situation, said Dr. Jaime Segal, college spokesperson.

"This was a best case outcome for this kind of situation," said Segal. "A college employee saw something and said something. This outcome was possible due to the alertness and diligence of our staff, who efficiently worked together with the Cranford Police Department. We encourage all of our staff and students to be alert and observant and share concerns with our Public Safety officers so that situations may proactively be addressed, as was the case here."

Jacobs remains in custody, and police are still investigating with more charges possible. Jacobs faces up to 18 months in state prison on fourth-degree criminal charges.

Anyone with any information is being urged to contact Cranford Police Department Detective Derek Farbanec at 908-709-7347.

(Image via Shutterstock)

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