Man Charged After Breaking Into High School In Lawrence, Triggering Shelter-In-Place

LAWRENCEVILLE, NJ — A Trenton man was arrested Tuesday after a shelter-in-place was initiated at Notre Dame High School following the discovery that an unknown man had broken into the building overnight, Lawrence Police said.

Officers responded to Notre Dame High School around 8:22 a.m. Tuesday after school officials initiated the precautionary shelter-in-place. According to investigation, around 11:10 p.m. Monday, a man entered the school through an unsecured door, walked through portions of the building, damaged property and stole various items before leaving around 11:30 p.m.

Police did not believe the man was still inside when they arrived, but searched the building thoroughly to be sure. He was not there, and officials said students and staff were never in danger, officials said.

During the investigation, detectives found that the suspect matched the description of someone linked to several recent incidents in Lawrence Township, including a March 3 disturbance at a McDonald's on Brunswick Circle Extension, where the suspect became involved in a verbal argument and brandished a knife in a threatening manner toward a victim, police said.

The suspect was also connected to multiple burglaries at Carriage Park, located at 100 and 2000 Colts Circle, which occurred March 3, March 13 into March 14, and again Tuesday. In each instance, the man allegedly forced entry through the main entrance, entered the mailroom and stole various packages.

Around 9:30 a.m. Tuesday, officers located a man matching the suspect's description near Brunswick Pike and Darrah Lane, traveling on a bicycle. He was later found at a business in the 2700 block of Brunswick Pike and taken into custody without incident, police said.

Police also found stolen property, a controlled dangerous substance and drug paraphernalia in his possession

The suspect has been identified as Erick Alvear Vizcaino, 26, of Trenton. He was charged with aggravated assault (third degree), possession of a weapon for an unlawful purpose (third degree), five counts of burglary (third degree), five counts of theft (third degree), two counts of criminal mischief (fourth degree and disorderly persons offense), possession of a controlled dangerous substance (third degree) and possession of drug paraphernalia (disorderly persons offense).

Vizcaino was processed and lodged at the Mercer County Correctional Center pending a detention hearing.

Anyone with additional information is asked to contact Detective S. Girard at 609-844-7124 or sgirard@lawrencetwp.com, or Detective D. Sawasky at 609-844-7125 or dsawasky@lawrencetwp.com.

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