Gun on Hamilton Twp. School Bus Leads to 2 Charged, Police Say

Hamilton Township, N.J. — A 14-year-old is accused of brandishing a handgun to other students while riding home on a school bus, police said, and investigators say the firearm had not been properly secured, leading to charges against a Mays Landing man.

Gun on the Bus

Hamilton Township Police said officers and detectives immediately launched an investigation after receiving a report on Wednesday, July 29th, that a student had brandished a handgun to other students while riding home on a school bus.

The suspect, identified as a 14-year-old male from Mays Landing, was arrested and lodged at Harborfields Atlantic Youth Detention Center.

The juvenile faces charges of second-degree possession of a handgun for an unlawful purpose, second-degree unlawful possession of a handgun, third-degree possession of a firearm on school property, third-degree terroristic threats, third-degree endangering the welfare of a child, fourth-degree aggravated assault, fourth-degree possession of a firearm by a minor, and fourth-degree possession of juvenile handgun ammunition.

School Bus - Photo by Thomas Park on Unsplash

Adult Charged for Unsecured Weapon

Authorities said a further investigation determined the firearm had not been properly secured at the residence.

As a result, 39-year-old John Mutcherson of Mays Landing was charged with second-degree endangering the welfare of a child by allowing access to a loaded firearm, fourth-degree tampering with evidence, and a disorderly persons offense for allowing a minor access to a loaded firearm.

He was released on a summons.

All firearms found inside the home were turned over to and secured by police.

The public is reminded that charges are accusations and all persons are considered innocent until proven guilty in a court of law.

Top 30 schools most violent schools in New Jersey

These are the schools in New Jersey with the highest rates of violence. The rankings are based on the annual School Performance Reports for the 2021-22 school year. New Jersey 101.5 ranked the schools based on the rate of reported violent incidents per 100 students. Schools with enrolment less than 100 are excluded.

Gallery Credit: New Jersey 101.5

Top 30 schools in NJ with the biggest bullying problem

These are the schools in New Jersey with the highest rates of bullying. The rankings are based on the annual School Performance Reports for the 2021-22 school year. New Jersey 101.5 ranked the schools based on the rate of reported bullying incidents per 100 students. Schools with enrolment less than 100 are excluded.

Gallery Credit: New Jersey 101.5

Chris Coleman is a South Jersey native and has been a cornerstone of the Atlantic City radio market since 1998. He serves as Brand Manager for WPG Talk Radio 95.5 and afternoon on-air personality for Cat Country 107.3. A five-time President's Circle award winner and Townsquare Media's 2024 Content Creator of the Year, Chris covers news, events, and stories of interest across Southern New Jersey. Story tips: chris.coleman@townsquaremedia.com