Shelter In Place Lifted At Morris Co. High School

MOUNT OLIVE, NJ — A threat directed at Mount Olive High School prompted a lockdown Wednesday morning, according to the Mount Olive Police Department.

The district and police received information regarding a potential threat toward the local high school, police said. In response, the school immediately initiated a shelter-in-place, and police increased their presence at the school out of an abundance of caution.

Around 10 a.m., police were notified that a vehicle stolen from Roxbury was occupied by individuals who expressed a desire to harm Mount Olive High School students.

The Mount Olive Police Department, with the assistance of the county Sheriff's Department, immediately launched an investigation. The stolen vehicle was ultimately found near Exit 64 of the Garden State Parkway.

The New Jersey State Police stopped the vehicle and took the passengers, an 18-year-old and a 17-year-old juvenile, into custody for further questioning.

During the course of the investigation, rumors began to circulate that the subjects had actually threatened West Morris Central, according to Washington Township Police.

Out of an abundance of caution, the neighboring West Morris Regional High School District also increased police presence at its schools, according to officials. "At no time were any students or staff in danger and it was determined the threat to West Morris Central was not credible," police said.

Police have confirmed there is no current threat to students, the school or the community.

This article was updated to include statements from the Washington Township Police Department.