New Details On Student Who Brought Loaded Gun To Woodbridge High School After Dispute

WOODBRIDGE, NJ — A 17-year-old boy was taken into custody by officials after he brought a loaded handgun to Woodbridge High School Tuesday morning, authorities said.

This is according to new information on the incident released Tuesday afternoon by Middlesex County Prosecutor Yolanda Ciccone and Woodbridge Police Director Joseph Nisky.

On Monday night, a student received threatening text messages from another student at Woodbridge High School. The student who received the threats went into school and reported the threats to school administration first thing Tuesday morning.

Woodbridge High School administrators and school security staff searched the student's items, and a loaded firearm was found in his possession. The High School notified Woodbridge Police at 8:07 a.m. Upon their arrival, law enforcement seized the firearm and took the 17-year-old male into custody.

The 17-year-old was charged with acts of juvenile delinquency for offenses which if committed by an adult would constitute illegal weapons offenses, terroristic threats, possession of a firearm on school property and possession of a ghost gun.

The juvenile is currently being housed at the Middlesex County Juvenile Detention Center, awaiting a preliminary hearing before a Family Court judge.

This is an active and ongoing investigation, anyone with information is asked to call Detective Brian Vella of the Woodbridge Police Department at 732-602-7317.

"This morning the school administration became aware of a student who was alleged to be in possession of a firearm. The administration and security personnel took immediate action and upon further investigation, found and secured the weapon," superintendent Joseph Massimino said in a letter to parents in the school district. "The student was removed from the premises by the Woodbridge Police Department without incident."

The school superintendent added:

"This situation was resolved safely and efficiently as a result of students communicating information directly with the school. The school administration followed our security procedures and worked in cooperation with our internal security personnel and the Woodbridge Police Department to ensure all students were safe. This matter highlights the importance of the need for community members to report all safety concerns to school officials during the school day or police officials outside of school hours. We encourage all parents and guardians to discuss with their children the importance of sharing concerning information with the proper authorities in a timely manner."