3 Students Investigated After School Lockdown In Caldwells

THE CALDWELLS, NJ — The West Essex superintendent of schools gave an update late Monday after West Essex High School — which enrolls students from North Caldwell, Essex Fells, Fairfield, and Roseland — went into lockdown earlier that day.

The school originally went into lockdown due to a report of a gun sighted at a nearby establishment in Fairfield, but the sighting turned out to be a watergun, said Superintendent Damion Macioci.

Officials were particularly concerned because a vehicle associated with the gun was parked on the school campus, according to Macioci's letter.

The West Essex School District consists of West Essex High School in North Caldwell, and West Essex Middle School in Caldwell.

Officials and reports said that three students were originally "taken into custody" for questioning and investigation, but were released.

Message From The Superintendent

Update on incident today from West Essex Schools.

Dear West Essex Families and Staff,

Out of an abundance of caution, local law enforcement directed the West Essex Regional School District to go into a lockdown today due to a report of a student who was allegedly observed with a handgun at a local establishment in Fairfield.

The Fairfield Police Department investigated the incident and located the vehicle on our campus. The local authorities and the administration acted swiftly to investigate the situation. The Fairfield Police Department has taken 3 current students into custody for further investigation. Their preliminary investigation indicates that the alleged handgun was, in fact, a water pistol.

Local law enforcement has determined that there is no credible threat to the school at this time; however, this incident is still under investigation by the police.

We want to thank our local police departments and the administration for their actions today. The safety and security of our students and staff are paramount. We appreciate your patience while we actively conducted an investigation in order to provide accurate information.

If you have any questions, please feel free to contact the high school administration.

Sincerely,

Damion Macioci, Superintendent of Schools

'Assassin' Game In Area

Meanwhile, in nearby Livingston, police had informed residents recently that seniors at Livingston High School were about to begin their annual two-week game of "Assassin" in which they pursue each other around town with waterguns.

READ MORE: Livingston Police Warn Of Students Playing 'Assassin' With Waterguns