The Verona Police Department has launched an investigation after discovering 1,200 tacks and tire spikes scattered along a dirt trail behind a New Jersey elementary school, according to ABC 7.
The police have removed the spikes and believe someone placed them deliberately to injure bikers, walkers and animals, ABC 7 reported. The Verona Police Department first received reports of the spikes on September 2. The trail, which runs through a wooded area parallel to Sunset Avenue, serves as a route for some students walking to and from school, according to a Wednesday Verona Police Department press release.
Louis Filoso experienced the danger firsthand when a spike damaged his bike. “It made a loud noise,” he said, ABC7 reported.
Police have received multiple reports of damaged bicycles since the discovery, authorities said. The Verona Police Department and Department of Public Works have worked together to clear the trail, but authorities continue to urge caution while their investigation proceeds.
Brookdale Avenue School Principal Nicole Stuto notified parents the same day police discovered the spikes, according to ABC 7. In her email, Stuto explained that maintenance teams had inspected school property before lunch and recess to ensure student safety. She noted that students typically don’t access this section of the property during school hours, the outlet reported.
“As always, please use your discretion in allowing your children to walk through the woods and reach out to the police if you have any further information,” Stuto wrote to parents. (RELATED: ROOKE: Schools Are Finally Tackling The Greatest Threat To American Children)
The placement of the spikes has particularly concerned parents, who worry someone intended to frighten or harm children using the popular trail, the outlet reported.
The investigation remains active. The Verona Police Department requests anyone with information about the incident or who suffered damage while using the trail to contact them.