Increased Police Presence Explained At West Morris Schools

CHESTER, NJ — The Mount Olive High School shelter-in-place order resulted in an increased police presence at West Morris Central on Wednesday, but officials say it was only a precaution.

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.

During the course of the investigation, rumors spread that the subjects had also threatened West Morris Central. In response, the school activated emergency procedures, and Washington Township Police Department dispatched additional officers to the campus to supplement the SRO.

In addition to the police presence, Superintendent Michael Ben-David told Patch that the district chose to keep students inside during lunch/PE out of an abundance of caution.

"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.

Following an investigation led by the Mount Olive Police Department, 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.

"We appreciate the communities cooperation and understanding as we dealt with this incident," police said.