Letter Referencing Colorado Shooting Prompts Lockdown in New Milford

NEW MILFORD - The Bergen County Bomb Squad and K-9 units were called to the Woodcrest Center Nursing Home on River Road shortly before noon in response to a letter received by the staff Wednesday referencing the recent theater massacre in Aurora, Colorado. 

"A letter was sent to the staff in general referencing the recent events in Aurora," Police Chief Frank Papapietro said. "We are taking this very seriously and using every precaution."

In addition to referencing the Aurora theater massacre, Papapietro said that the letter, addressed to no specific person, made reference to guns, knives and explosives.

According to Papapietro, the "threatening, yet non-specific" handwritten letter was signed, but authorities are not releasing the name or the entire content of the letter. He did say that the postmark on the envelope was "from the area," but added that the location is not being disclosed at this time. He added that the letter was not dated.

In addition to the Bergen County Bomb Squad and K-9 Units, the County OEM was called to the scene, along with the Bergen County Prosecutor's Office of Counterterrorism. The New Jersey State Police Regional Operations Intelligence Center (ROIC) was also on the scene assisting the investigation. 

Members of the bomb squad were scouring the perimeter of the building for any explosive devices, as well as checking the interior areas. The residents of the nursing home are confined to their rooms with staff to allow authorities to perform a thorough check of the facility. Two K-9's were also brought inside the building as well.