The neighbor, Mark Cozens, is accused of recklessly firing a gun on his property last month, prompting state police to arrest him and seize his firearms, according to statements Cozens made to investigators. Court records show a warrant was issued Tuesday, Nov. 10, for his arrest on a charge of terroristic threats — threatening to commit a crime of violence.

Cozens, who confirmed he was the person referenced in a district email to parents, denied making threats and said he has left New Jersey. He described the school response as an overreaction and insisted he never put anyone in danger.

"I only shoot for about five minutes," Cozens said. "I shot there. They ended up locking the poor kids down. A state trooper comes in my yard."

School leaders, without naming Cozens, told parents that beginning last week a neighbor played loud music toward the school, sent what officials described as "concerning emails," and drove through the school parking lot yelling at staff. When investigators visited the property last week, skeletons holding rifles were displayed outside.

State police and school security patrolled the campus Wednesday. Parents said they supported the district's decision to increase police presence.

"I really applaud the school and the superintendent for making sure the kids had increased police presence," said Christina Stevens, whose son attends school there. "The police and the school did the right thing in making sure that there was increased police presence and making sure that this person hopefully can get some help."

The superintendent said student safety remains the top priority.

"Our primary responsibility is the safety and well-being of our students and staff," the superintendent said in a statement. "We are hopeful that this matter will reach a resolution soon, and we will continue to communicate with our school community as the situation develops."

Records show state police have been called to Cozens' property several times since last month. Federal law generally bars firearm possession within 1,000 feet of school grounds but includes an exception for guns kept on private property that is not part of school grounds. New Jersey law separately prohibits possessing a firearm on school buildings or grounds without written authorization.

The incidents have also prompted a proposal for a new township ordinance that would place additional restrictions on discharging firearms near schools — a measure that would close a gap in current state and federal rules that leave private property largely unregulated even when it abuts a campus.

State police did not respond to a request for additional information Wednesday. The district said it will continue updating families as the situation develops.