At Least 7 Threats At New Jersey Schools This Month

Several New Jersey schools have been scrambling to maintain their schedules over the past week since at least seven threats have been made this month already – including six in one day. Police also have a message for parents on how to deal with these matters.

The latest report came Sunday when police announced that a teen was arrested for an alleged Holmdel High School threat. Weapons at the teen's home were also "surrendered" by his parents, police said.

The Holmdel Police took the unnamed boy into custody last week after he allegedly made terroristic threats to the Holmdel High School population, authorities announced Sunday.

Read more: Teen Arrested After Holmdel High School Threat, Police Say

A bomb threat was also reported at Linden High School Friday morning, forcing students to shelter-in-place for several hours, police reported.

Read more: Bomb Threat Reported At Linden High School Friday

That same day, these schools also received threats just hours apart, according to nj.com: Benjamin Franklin Elementary School, Lawrenceville Elementary School and Lawrenceville Prep in Lawrence; and County Prep High School and McNair Academic High School in Jersey City.

All of those schools were locked down and searched Friday before the threats were determined to be hoaxes. The threats were made by phone, according to nj.com

Authorities don't believe last week's threats are related, but police emphasized that they're going to take every threat seriously – even if those threats turn out to be hoaxes.

"Any and all threats, are taken seriously and investigated thoroughly," accoring to Holmdel police.

"Those investigations involve interviews with school staff as well as family members and friends of those involved. If at any time it is determined that the school population is in any danger, or there is reason for concern, the public would be notified accordingly."

Parents need to take the time to speak to their children about the language they use, and the possible consequences that come with making alarming statements or posting alarming photos or drawings, police said

"These acts are not taken as jokes, and should never be used in a joking manner," Holmdel police said. "In order to ensure the safety of everyone, when brought to the attention of school administration or law enforcement, these acts must be investigated as a threat, until proven otherwise, and those involved will be charged accordingly."

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