A 19-year-old man who entered Hopewell Valley Central High School without permission Friday afternoon is facing multiple charges for the intrusion.
Foster Krupa, of Lawrence Road in Lawrence Township, was charged with criminal trespassing and causing or risking widespread injury or damage, police said.
School security cameras showed that Krupa was allowed into the high school by a student who opened a door to let him inside. Police do not believe the student knew Krupa, but was trying to be polite. It is believed that Krupa entered the school to visit a friend.
Shortly after Krupa entered the high school, a staff member confronted him because he did not recognize the man as a student, police said. Krupa identified himself and said he lived in Lawrence Township.
At that point, officials said Krupa ran out of the school – with school personnel in pursuit. The foot chase occurred during dismissal time at the high school and Timberlane Middle School.
Hopewell Township police responded, but they could not find him. It is believed that he fled in a car.
As a precaution, a lockdown was initiated at the Toll Gate Elementary School, Timberlane Middle School, Hopewell Valley Central High School, the Pennington School and the Pennington Montessori School until 3:25 p.m. Police officers were stationed at the schools for added security.
Meanwhile, Hopewell Township police dispatchers were able to locate Krupa’s address in Lawrence Township based on the information he provided to the school staff member. The Lawrence Township Police Department was subsequently notified and he was taken into custody at his home at 3:15 p.m.
Krupa was then escorted to Hopewell Township Police Department headquarters, where he was charged and then released. His case will be forwarded to the Mercer County Prosecutor’s Office for review.
