Man Exposed Himself, Punched Cars Near South Jersey School: Police

WASHINGTON TOWNSHIP, NJ — A middle school implemented security measures Wednesday as a man ran into traffic, punched cars and exposed himself nearby, authorities said.

John Laurino, 47, of Sewell, also threatened to shoot up a business, according to Washington Township police. During his arrest, he pushed an officer and kicked an ambulance squad member, authorities said.

Laurino was charged with two counts of aggravated assault and disorderly conduct. He was brought to Jefferson Hospital for treatment.

At about 10:30 a.m. Wednesday, Glassboro police requested a well-being check for someone with a Washington Township address. The person, later identified as Laurino, threatened to shoot employees at a Glassboro business, authorities said.

Around the same time, authorities were "flooded" with calls about a man outside of Orchard Valley Middle School in Washington Township, police said. Laurino was running in and out of traffic, exposing himself and punching cars outside on Pitman Downer Road, according to law enforcement.

The school entered "secure" mode during the incident, locking its exterior doors as normal activities continued inside.

As police attempted to de-escalate the situation, Laurino "aggressively" approached and pushed an officer, authorities said. An ambulance was called once Laurino was apprehended. He kicked a member of the Washington Township Ambulance Squad as they secured him into the vehicle, police said.

"We want to assure our community that all students at OVMS remained safe throughout the incident," Washington Township police said in a statement. "We are fortunate to have 14 School Police Officers assigned to our schools, who provide a critical layer of safety and security every day. Their presence is a great benefit to ensuring the well-being of our students and staff."