Shelter In Place Lifted At Montclair Schools, Suspect Arrested: UPDATE

MONTCLAIR, NJ — A shelter in place was issued at two schools in Montclair on Wednesday due to a “police matter.” It has since been lifted, officials say.

The Montclair Public School District issued the following statement to the local parents about the incident:

“This morning at approximately 10:30 a.m., the Montclair Public Schools (MPS) District was alerted by the Montclair Police Department (MPD) to an external police matter near Montclair High School and Renaissance Middle School. As a precaution, both buildings were directed to shelter in place. Additionally, out of an abundance of caution, all other MPS buildings were advised to keep students inside during lunch, recess and PE periods. The shelter-in-place has since been lifted, and all normal activities have resumed. Please be assured that at no time were students or staff in any danger. Interim Superintendent Mr. Cooper remained in close contact with the MPD throughout the situation. The safety and security of our students and staff remain our top priority. We value our continued collaboration with the MPD in keeping our community safe.”

The Montclair Police Department also released a statement about the shelter in place, noting that it was connected to a chase involving a wanted suspect – who has since been arrested.

"The Essex County Sheriff’s Department Fugitive Squad attempted to arrest a wanted person, but it became a foot pursuit in the area of Chestnut and Central," police said.

"As a safety precaution, a shelter-in-place order was issued," authorities continued. "There is no danger to our students or schools at this time. The suspect has been captured. There is no threat in town, and we are back to normal."

A Montclair police spokesperson told Patch that MPD officers were called to assist with forming a perimeter and searching for the suspect, who was eventually found hiding in a yard on Midland Avenue.

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