Backpack Attack Thwarted By Morristown Student, Police Say

MORRISTOWN, NJ — The Morristown Police Department was notified this morning of a report of an unknown person approaching a student walking to school in the area of Sussex Avenue and Mills Street.

The student later informed a School Resource Officer, who notified members of the Morristown Police Department.

According to police, while walking to school this morning, the student was approached from behind by a man who grabbed his backpack. The student pulled his backpack free and continued walking to school where he reported the incident.

The man was described as a white or Hispanic male standing 5'04" tall and wearing a black shirt with yellow or orange stripes. The man was further described as having brown hair and diamond stud earrings in both ears, but the student had never met him.

"Morristown Police have been in contact with School officials and wanted to ensure that this incident was reported to our community. Additional officers will be in the area and students and parents are requested to contact us with any information," police said.

The incident is currently under investigation and police are asking anyone with any information or residents who may have surveillance or doorbell cameras in the area of Sussex, Mills, or Cutler Street to contact Detective Teddy Jones at 973-292-6642 or tjones@morristownpolice.org or the main dispatch number at 973-538-2200.