Columbia High School Student Armed with Brass Knuckles, Alumni Conspirator Arrested after School Lockdown

Columbia High School in Maplewood was placed under a code red lockdown on Monday, after a current CHS student and recent alum threatened to attack students within the school.

The 17-year-old CHS student was arrested at the school on Monday for bringing brass knuckles into the school. Veridson Guillaume, an 18-year-old CHS grad, was arrested at his home on Tuesday for trespassing on school property, Sgt. Christopher Black confirmed to the Village Green on Wednesday.

The lockdown was ordered at 1 p.m. with students returning to class by 2:15 p.m. No injuries reported. According to the Village Green, there was no early dismissal and afternoon activities were not cancelled. In a statement to parents, Acting Superintendent Jim Memoli added that the code red was a precautionary measure ordered by Maplewood Police.

Guillaume’s apprehension did not go peacefully. When Police arrived at his South Orange home on Tuesday, Guillaume resisted arrest, assaulting Det. Sgt. Sally and Det. Reeves when they attempted to arrest the CHS grad, the Village Green reported.

Guillaume was charged with resisting arrest and aggravated assault on police officers, along with the trespassing charge. He was processed and transported to Essex County jail. Maplewood Police Chief Robert Cimino noted that no weapons were found at his home, but the 18-year-old did have a $5,000 outstanding warrant from another town, according to the Village Green.

The motive of the attempted attack is unknown at this time, however Maplewood Police are still investigating the issue, NJ.com reported.

School officials added in a letter to parents that police travelled door to door, checking all rooms before clearing the code red, and that many students were outside due to the ongoing lunch period.

“Parents and guardians of our students can be assured that the school administration works closely with and cooperates fully with law enforcement during such an event,” Superintendent James Memoli and CHS Principal Elizabeth Aaron stated to parents, as reported on the Village Green. “The safety of our staff and students remains our first priority.”

After the incident on Monday, Police continued to interview students who received texts following the incident stating that a student was bringing weapons to school, the Village Green reports. However, Chief Cimino believes that these rumors are without merit.