A Galloway man who sparked the lockdown of several schools remains hospitalized more than two weeks after his arrest.
Michael Maggi, 57, was taken into custody without incident March 1, after an investigation into shots fired outside the Pilgrim Academy earlier that day.
Numerous firearms and ammunition were recovered from his residence.
The school on West Moss Mill Road was put into lockdown, while several others in the surrounding area were told to shelter in place.
Police Chief Donna Higbee confirmed that Maggi is still in the hospital, but could not give details.
“Shots fired,” a Pilgrim Academy teacher says in a 911 recording released to BreakingAC. “Shots fired outside the school.”
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The shots came from the front toward Pomona Road, the dispatcher is told in the call that began at 9:32 a.m.
The teacher says the school already had been placed on lockdown.
“We think somebody might just be practice shooting in the woods but we’re not taking any chances,” the teacher says.
He was one of two teachers driving around the school checking. Another teacher was also walking the grounds with a walkie talkie.
“Let me be very clear, this was no hunting issue and certainly not anything remotely close to target shooting,” the police chief said at the time. “To be dismissive of a serious incident and the subsequent reactions by those we trust with the safety of our children and family members is appalling and irresponsible. Our schools in Galloway Township are special gems amongst our community and our children are most precious.”
Maggi was arrested and charged with risking widespread Injury, disorderly conduct, and harassment.
He will be jailed once released from the hospital.
Police had been called to Maggi’s house on Genoa Avenue four times since Jan. 4, 2017, including March 1, records show.
The first lists only “police information” as the type of incident with Maggi as the caller. On Feb. 7, 2017, there were off-road vehicle complaints.
The listing for a fourth incident was redacted.
