SECAUCUS – Police arrested Secaucus resident Michael J. West, 24, of Secaucus about 2 p.m. on Thursday, Sept. 25 for making terroristic threats against Mayor Michael Gonnelli.
According to Det. Sgt. Thomas O’Keefe, a hand-written note was found on Sept. 19 on a gate leading to a nature path behind the Secaucus High School. The contents of the note represented “a direct threat on the mayor’s life,” according to O’Keefe.
Following a police investigation West was charged with making terroristic threats in violation of N.J.S.A. 2C:12-3b and transported to the Hudson County Correctional Facility. No bail was set for the defendant pending a mental health evaluation.
“Through the swift and thorough actions of the Secaucus Police Department, the threats were investigated and the suspect was arrested,” said Mayor Gonnelli in a press release. “I am personally grateful for their hard work, not only in this matter, but for the work they do every day to keep our town safe.”