Knife-Wielding Man Threatens Others In Rider University Dorm, Police Say

LAWRENCE TOWNSHIP, NJ — A New Jersey man was arrested on Monday after police said he was armed with a knife when he threatened several people inside a Rider University dorm.

Alex Theis, 21, of Delran, was arrested and charged with aggravated assault, terroristic threats and various weapons offenses.

At 1:48 p.m. on Monday, the Lawrence Township Police Department and Rider University Public Safety responded to the Poyda Dormitory after receiving a report of a person, later identified as Theis, who had threatened several people and had a knife.

An initial investigation found that a confrontation had occurred between the suspect and several other people inside the dorm.

During the confrontation, police said Theis allegedly threatened others and brandished a knife.

As a safety precaution, Rider University officials placed the campus under a shelter-in-place order.

Authorities secured the area and later found Theis on campus near the university library.

According to a report from NJ Advance Media, Theis is identified as a Rider student in several online listings, but his status at the university was not clear on Monday.

Once Theis was taken into custody, the shelter-in-place order was lifted.

No injuries were reported, and authorities have confirmed that there is no ongoing threat to the campus or surrounding community.

The Lawrence Township Police Department continues to work closely with Rider University officials to ensure the safety and security of all students, staff, and visitors.

Anyone with additional information related to this incident is being asked to contact Detective Suzanne Girard at 609-844-7124 or via email at sgirard@lawrencetwp.com.