Threat Made Against Watchung Schools Found Not Credible: Police

WATCHUNG, NJ — A threat made against the Watchung School District late on Friday was found not to be credible, police said in an alert to the public on Monday morning.

Watchung Police Chief Joe Cina explained that police did not alert the public about the threat until Monday due to the ongoing investigation that involves juveniles.

"There was not much information that could be released," Cina said.

However, after some concerned parents caught wind of the threat over the weekend, the school issued a notice to the parents on Sunday night, Cina said.

Police also received several phone calls about the threat at headquarters causing Cina to release the alert on Monday morning.

"I released a notice from the police department to hopefully clear up any rumors or misinformation regarding the Watchung Schools' safety," Cina said.

The threat was initially reported to police by the Watchung Schools District on Friday after students had already been dismissed, Cina said.

Police investigated and found that this was not a credible threat.

"There is no immediate threat, and the Watchung Police Department will continue to work closely with the school's administration to ensure the safety of our students, teachers, staff, and community," police stated in the alert to the public Monday.

The lockdown was among several school-related that took place across New Jersey on Friday. During a lockdown at Parsippany Hills High School on Friday morning a student was injured. Clementon Elementary School was also evacuated after a threat, according to 6abc, and Daily Voice reported that Garfield High School had a shelter-in-place.

• Read More: Morris Co. Vo-Tech On Lockdown Friday Morning: PD
• Read More: Parsippany Student Hurt, Exited Window During Lockdown: Police

Have a news tip? Email alexis.tarrazi@patch.com.

Get Patch breaking news alerts sent right to your phone with our new app. Download here.