William Annin Middle School IDs Student in School Threat, Graffiti Incident

Officials at William Annin Middle School in Basking Ridge and the Bernards Township Police investigated an incident of graffiti at the middle school, including a drawing and threat to the school, earlier this week.

Tuesday morning a custodian at the school found “disturbing” graffiti in a boys bathroom in the 300 wing of the school, including a drawing and threat to the school, officials said. William Annin Middle School Principal Karen Hudock issued a letter to parents of students and said an investigation was launched immediately.

Hudock said the school would be reviewing hallway videos, class sign-out sheets and speaking to students who may have knowledge of the graffiti. Additionally, the school was in constant contact with the Superintendent of Schools and the Bernards Township Police Department.

The school principal issued another statement the following day, Wednesday, May 7, saying the student responsible for writing the statement had been identified.

“At this time we will be applying our school policies and procedures to bring this matter to a close,” Hudock said in the statement.

The Bernards Township Police Department issued a statement on its Facebook page regarding the graffiti incident. “The Bernards Township Police working together with the WAMS Administration have closed the ‘graffiti threats’ investigation at WAMS following the identification of the student responsible and subsequent admission,” police officials said.

Because the student is a minor no further information regarding identity was permitted to be released.

“Please be assured that at no time did we feel it was unsafe for students to be at school,” Hudock added. “I can assure you that the school is taking the necessary steps in handling the actions of the individual.”

The principal went on to thank the William Annin Middle School teaching staff and the Bernards Township Police Department for their efforts.