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09/25/2017 12:00 AMA North Haven man is under arrest after an investigation into several acts of vandalism and the discovery of a loaded gun magazine at Clintonville Elementary School.
Joseph Cummins was arrested on a warrant following a probe into separately recorded crimes between Sunday, Sept. 17 and Tuesday, Sept. 19.
North Haven Police were called to Clintonville Elementary School on Sunday, Sept. 17 at 8 a.m. on the report of vandalism. A school employee reported that someone had used a plastic flowerpot to crack a glass panel in the school's front door. The glass was only slightly cracked, however, and the security alarm was not triggered. Surveillance footage was not immediately available.
Approximately 30 minutes later, an Old Forge Road resident called police to report an unfamiliar vehicle parked on the grass next to his house. The investigation revealed that operator of the vehicle had struck a mailbox causing minor damage to the front bumper of the vehicle and then drove onto the lawn of the complainant before leaving the scene on foot. The investigating officer made contact with the driver, identified as Cummins, and issued him a misdemeanor summons for evading responsibility and failure to drive right.
The investigating officer returned to Clintonville Elementary School to view the surveillance footage. Upon viewing, the officer immediately recognized the vandal as Cummins. An arrest warrant for criminal mischief and trespassing was prepared.
On Tuesday, Sept. 19 at 7 p.m., the principal of Clintonville Elementary School was checking unrelated damage to a rear door of the school when she observed a metallic object with what appeared to be a bullet at the top. She immediately contacted police and the school resource officer. The object was determined to be a loaded magazine, and it was secured and packaged for forensic analysis. The entire area was secured and searched for anything that may pose a danger to students, including a gun.
Due to the accident and vandalism complaint two days prior, Cummins became a suspect for the magazine. He was contacted and cooperated with police. It was determined that the magazine was owned by Cummins, and he had left it there on Sunday morning.
Police have extensive video footage of Cummins on school grounds wearing only a t-shirt and underwear, staggering as he walked. At no time was he observed with a handgun. Although he was not in possession of a gun while on school property, detectives have taken it into possession for safekeeping.
Cummins was arrested and charged with criminal mischief and possession of a high capacity magazine. He was held on a $7,500 bond.