Howell HS Student Arrested After Posting Photo With Airsoft Gun

HOWELL, NJ — A student from Howell High School was arrested Tuesday night after a threatening social media post alerted authorities. He was found with an airsoft gun, according to the Howell Township Police Department.

Chief Andrew Kudrick said there would be an increased police presence at the high school on Wednesday.

"Although no credible threat of violence is assumed, we will have an increased police presence at the high school tomorrow," Kudrick wrote in a statement. "This was a poor decision by this juvenile."

Police shared a photo of the Snapchat post that led multiple people in the community to alert authorities. The student was arrested within the hour of posting the photo depicting a weapon and the word "Tommorow (sic)."

"Although not a real firearm it certainly is identical to an actual rifle," Kudrick said.

Principal Jeremy Braverman said the student will not be in school "for the immediate future."

Police and school officials decided to inform the school community of what happened in order to avoid further public alarm.

"As always, we are mindful of student confidentiality, but in light of the unrest of the public and our students, and to protect the safety of all students and staff, we are sharing this information," Braverman said. "To that end, we join in the request of the Howell Police Department that everyone be mindful not to circulate or interpret rumors or speculative information as true."

The principal said the "threatening remarks" made by the student on social media were immediately investigated by the police department and found not to be credible, adding that he would remain in contact with Kudrick.

"I thank all of you who saw something and said something," Kudrick said. "My officers, under the supervision of Sgt. Encarnacion did an outstanding job."

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