Morris County Announces Arrest of Alleged Intruder at Montville High

Published on February 03, 2023

Morris County Prosecutor Robert J. Carroll, Chief of Detectives Robert McNally, Morris County Sheriff James Gannon, and Montville Police Chief Andrew Caggiano announce the arrest of an alleged intruder at Montville High School on February 2, 2023. Charles Banaciski III, 19, of Bloomfield, New Jersey, has been charged with unlicensed entry of a structure, a crime of the fourth degree.

On February 2, surveillance footage shows an unknown adult male arrived at Montville High School at approximately 6:30 a.m., and proceeded to walk around the building while wearing a backpack. He was discovered by a school staff member.  The staff member confronted Banaciski, who allegedly claimed to be a student. Upon further questioning, Banaciski excused himself and left the building and drove away.

As a precaution, Montville High School was placed on shelter in place, until the building was cleared by law enforcement and the Morris County Sheriff’s Office K-9 Unit.

A subsequent investigation identified Banaciski as the suspected intruder. He was arrested at his residence in Bloomfield. The investigation remains ongoing.

Prosecutor Carroll said, “Thanks to the diligent investigative work, a swift arrest was carried out by the Morris County Prosecutor’s Office, Morris County Sheriff’s Office, Montville Township Police Department, and other law enforcement partners. I applaud our law enforcement officers, and especially thank the Montville High School employee who followed their gut instinct and questioned the suspicious individual.

During our recent memorandum of agreement signing and security summit, Morris County school administrators reaffirmed their commitment to the safety of our students and educators through collaboration. This swift arrest is the result of attentive staff and a rapid report to law enforcement. May this incident be a reminder to the public that to keep our schools as secure as they can be, law enforcement also needs the assistance of vigilant members of the community. It is critical for the public to report any and all suspicious activity.”

Anyone with information is asked to call the Montville Police Department at 973-257-4300, the Morris County Prosecutor’s Office at 973-285-6300, or Morris County Crime Stoppers at 1-800-743-7433.  Persons reporting any information to Crime Stoppers may remain anonymous. Information on how to leave an anonymous call or text message can be found on the Crime Stoppers Program website at www.morriscrimestoppers.org.

A criminal complaint is merely an accusation. Despite this accusation, the defendant is presumed innocent until he is proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.

Media inquiries concerning this press release should be directed to [email protected].

 

 

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