Manchester Township High School threat leads to closure of all district schools today

A threat at Manchester Township High School led to the closure of all schools in the district today.

News 12 Staff

Dec 3, 2021, 10:34 AM

Updated 873 days ago

Share:

A threat at Manchester Township High School led to the closure of all schools in the district today.
An investigation began Wednesday when text messages appeared to show a possible threat at the high school. On Thursday, several new posts led to another investigation. 
“After conducting those investigations and searches last night, it was determined to not be a credible threat at this time, but we had to let the investigation follow through completely before we took any other appropriate action,” says Lt. Antonio Ellis.
Police identified two students at the high school as the source of the messages. Both students fully cooperated with police. Ellis says in today's climate all posts are taken seriously. 
“We have to vet these threats when they come around especially in light of recent situations and the news in the media to not err on the side of caution would not be in the best interest of the safety of the community,” says Ellis.
On Tuesday, a Howell Township student posted a Snapchat photo with what appeared to be a weapon, and a threatening caption. But it turns out it was an Airsoft toy rifle. Police arrested the student. Ellis says it's time for a conversation.
“As the parent of a teenager nowadays in the environment their kids don't share enough with their parents,” says Ellis. “They do share a lot with each other. Sometimes other children will alert other parents who may be far more in their children's lives of the issues that their friends are having and I think it's important that parents listen out for all of them.”
Police say the two students will face consequences for their actions, but they stressed there are no threats now in Manchester.


More from News 12
NJ Forest Fire Service: 510-acre wildfire in Wharton State Forest now 100% contained

NJ Forest Fire Service: 510-acre wildfire in Wharton State Forest now 100% contained

1:53
Plenty of sunshine today with cooler temps for New Jersey; freeze watch until Friday

Plenty of sunshine today with cooler temps for New Jersey; freeze watch until Friday

0:20
NJ Transit rail service into and out of Penn Station New York delayed due to overhead power issues

NJ Transit rail service into and out of Penn Station New York delayed due to overhead power issues

1:53
Shop Mother’s Day Gifts – Exclusive Offers Up to 75% OFF!

Shop Mother’s Day Gifts – Exclusive Offers Up to 75% OFF!

1:50
Threatening message found at Dwight-Englewood middle school

Threatening message found at Dwight-Englewood middle school

New York appeals court overturns Harvey Weinstein’s 2020 rape conviction from landmark #MeToo trial

New York appeals court overturns Harvey Weinstein’s 2020 rape conviction from landmark #MeToo trial

2:27
How to protect spring plants from frost and freeze

How to protect spring plants from frost and freeze

0:25
Asbury Park man sentenced to 40 years in prison for 2021 home invasion, sex assault

Asbury Park man sentenced to 40 years in prison for 2021 home invasion, sex assault

0:26
Union police searching for missing 60-year-old man last seen at Whole Foods parking lot

Union police searching for missing 60-year-old man last seen at Whole Foods parking lot

0:24
Fanwood police warn of possible concert ticket scams on Facebook

Fanwood police warn of possible concert ticket scams on Facebook

0:36
New Jersey Instagram fraudster 'Jay Mazini' sentenced for his crypto scheme that preyed on Muslims

New Jersey Instagram fraudster 'Jay Mazini' sentenced for his crypto scheme that preyed on Muslims

Ready to explore the great outdoors? These 14 tips can help you stay safe while hiking

Ready to explore the great outdoors? These 14 tips can help you stay safe while hiking

Your Road Trip Close to Home adventure guide for April 25

Your Road Trip Close to Home adventure guide for April 25

1:13
The East End: Shou Sugi Ban House in Watermill

The East End: Shou Sugi Ban House in Watermill

2:54
Longtime Democratic US Rep. Donald Payne Jr. dies at 65 following heart attack

Longtime Democratic US Rep. Donald Payne Jr. dies at 65 following heart attack

0:56
Passaic to get $1.6M in federal funds to reduce flash flooding where 2 people died

Passaic to get $1.6M in federal funds to reduce flash flooding where 2 people died

2:56
Doctors combine a pig kidney transplant and a heart device in a bid to extend New Jersey woman's life

Doctors combine a pig kidney transplant and a heart device in a bid to extend New Jersey woman's life

0:43
Jersey Proud: Manchester HS students teach older generation about tech

Jersey Proud: Manchester HS students teach older generation about tech

2:23
'The tower is an eyesore.' Demolition of former Nabisco factory tower set to begin after 1-year delay

'The tower is an eyesore.' Demolition of former Nabisco factory tower set to begin after 1-year delay

1:03
Rep. Gottheimer announces another attempt to put an end to NYC’s congestion pricing plan

Rep. Gottheimer announces another attempt to put an end to NYC’s congestion pricing plan