PETERSBURG—Bruce Breunig was arrested at Upper Township Elementary for disorderly conduct and burglary on Sept. 26.
The incident was reported to the Herald by “a concerned parent of Upper Township.” The mother, who wished to remain anonymous, spoke of a letter that was sent out to all parents of the school district on Sept. 27. The letter, written by Superintendent Vincent Palmieri, informed parents of the previous day’s events.
“It’s very unsettling,” the anonymous mother said. “I just want others to be aware of what happened in case they did not open their kids’ backpacks and receive the letter on Friday.”
In the letter, Palmieri wrote, “On two separate occasions, a resident of Upper Township was arrested for disorderly conduct, breaking and entering, and/or illegal trespassing.”
“We’ve been dealing with Mr. Breunig for four or five months now,” said a N.J. State Police spokesperson. “In New Jersey, there is no charge of breaking and entering. Breunig was charged with burglary. He did some damage in the school but no one was hurt. The school canceled recess on Friday and they were holding meetings. They were calling here all day long.”
In Palmieri’s letter, he reminded parents to be vigilant. “If you see a person or activity that does not appear to be a regular component of our educational system, please contact the main office of any school as soon as possible. … Under no circumstances should you act alone in any potentially dangerous situation.”
In a follow-up email to the Herald, Palmieri stressed that he is “personally monitoring and evaluating our dismissal procedures all this week to analyze our situations and implement any and all necessary changes that will best ensure the safety of all students and staff.”
“As of this point in time,” Palmieri added, “[Breunig] is still being supervised by county officials and if and when his release comes to be, the district will have knowledge of that information prior to such release.”
According to the superintendent, Breunig has “never been associated with any involvement of any children, nor has [he] ever caused any incident on any school grounds (prior to this past week).”
School officials will continue to work with State Police in this matter “until a permanent resolution has been reached.”
Breunig is in custody at Cape May County Correctional Center. His bail was set at $25,000.
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