Man fled traffic stop, caused school lockdown — still at large

MIDDLESEX BOROUGH — Police are still looking for a man who ran from a traffic stop on Thursday and caused two schools to be locked down.

Class was held as normal Friday at the Mauger Middle and Watchung Elementary schools after being on lockdown Thursday when the man fled from a traffic stop on Union Avenue about 1:40 p.m.

Police say Jamil B. Lewis, 21, of the Somerset section of Franklin, ran through an open side door of the middle school, locking it behind him so that two police officers who were giving chase could not enter.

The schools superintendent told New Jersey 101.5 that the door was open because a janitor, who confronted the intruder, was taking out the trash. The man then ran through the school and went out a back door, police said.

The neighboring elementary school was put on lockdown as well while a search was conducted of the area, according to police, who lost sight of him on Woodland Avenue.

Lewis is facing charges of unlicensed entry of structures, resisting arrest, hindering apprehension and obstructiong the administration of law.

Police ask anyone with information to call 732-356-1900 ext. 313 or the borough's confidential tip line at 732-356-1900 ext. 847

The State Police Aviation Unit and Warren Township Canine Unit assisted borough police with the search.

Contact reporter Dan Alexander at Dan.Alexander@townsquaremedia.com or via Twitter @DanAlexanderNJ