Authorities have determined that a high school student is responsible for a “nonspecific threat” against a school presumed to be Frelinghuysen Middle School, according to the Morris District Superintendent of Schools.
That threat, posted on a social media platform, was for today, Monday, Sept. 19, 2016, and is “not credible,” Supt. Mackey Pendergrast said in a message to parents on Sunday.
Yet once again, extra police will be present throughout the day, as a precaution. Last week also began with beefed up patrols, after a backpack with bullets was found at a ballfield near the school.
While acknowledging that “this event in addition to last week’s security concern may be distressing,” Pendergrast said police are “highly confident the two incidents are completely separate and there is no evidence whatsoever connecting the two events.”
Police swiftly were apprised of the social media posting. “A person of interest was identified and he acknowledged to the police that he is the author of the post. This person is a high school student from a neighboring school district in Morris County,” Pendergrast said.
“The police have thoroughly investigated this matter and they have determined there is not a credible threat against Frelinghuysen Middle School or any other school in the Morris School District,” Pendergrast said in the message, also signed by Frelinghuysen Middle School Principal Joe Uglialoro.
Criminal charges are pending against the juveniles responsible for the threat, Pendergrast said.
The superintendent thanked Morris Township police for their response, and reminded parents and students that any online threat against students, staff, or property violates Board of Education police and the District’s Code of Conduct and will bring the “strictest disciplinary measures” and likely criminal charges.
An increased police presence on Monday will “assure the building is safe,” Pendergrast said.
