Shots Fired Near Hillside High School Prompts Lockdown: Police

UNION COUNTY, NJ — A large fight broke out and shots were fired near Hillside High School Monday afternoon, according to Hillside Police Department.

The shots were fired near the intersection of Liberty Ave. and Ryan Street after Hillside High School was dismissed, police said. Due to the proximity of the incident to the high school and because students were still inside the building at the time, a school lockdown was put in place while police responded to the incident.

Hillside detectives located and arrested two teenagers — one believed to be the shooter, police said. A third teen was later located and arrested.

Officers and detectives found a shell casing and other evidence at the scene. Police said the gun was also recovered at about 5:00 p.m. and the school lockdown lifted.

Union County Sheriff's K-9 and crime scene units assisted, as well.

The shooter was a 17-year-old boy from Bloomfield. Also arrested were:

• 17-year-old boy from Irvington
• 16-year-old boy from Hillside

"I am very proud of our Hillside officers and detectives," Chief Vincent Ricciardi said. "They did a truly professional job in bringing this incident to swift resolution. It took a high level of skill, experience, and adherence to their training to be able to make these arrests and recover the gun within just a short couple of hours and without injury to anyone."

This incident is still under investigation, police said.

If anyone has information related to this incident or future incidents they are urged to call Hillside Police at 973-926-5800. Callers may remain anonymous.