Crime & Safety

Police: Nyack High School Guard Arrested for Terroristic Threat

According to Clarkstown Police, Kenneth Carter, 51, of Central Nyack was arrested May 22 for Making a Terroristic Threat against Nyack High School, where he worked as a security aide.

Police say Carter told a colleague "I'm going to go home and get my guns and blow this place up." He was arrested without incident while at his post at Nyack High School.

Nyack Superintendent of Schools Dr. James Montesano said the district will be posting more information related to the incident on its website Wednesday. He said he has heard from concerned parents and added that he felt media coverage sensationalized the report. 

"What I can share is that this is a matter of personnel and we are limited in regards to facts," Montesano said. "I'm deeply disappointed in the newspaper headline. In our review, which was done with the Clarkstown Police, there was never a time we believe our students were in harm's way. Their safety as a result of the allegations was not compromised. The issue was dealt with swiftly and appropriately.

"Some parents are concerned that we were not more proactive in providing information from the school."

Montesano said the incident was more of a matter between employees and there has been no past indication of a problem with Carter.

"The security aide has been with the district for some time and demonstrated himself to be courteous and caring toward students," Montesano said. 

Regarding Carter's employment status with the district, Montesano would only say that he was not at work Wednesday.

"We do hold the safety and security of our staff and students, ti is the highest priority we have as school officials," Montesano said. "We have a caring, hard-working principal (Nicole Saieva) who believes that wholeheartedly."

Carter was arraigned in Clarkstown Justice Court and bail was set at $1,000. He is due back in court June 17, 2013. 


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