LACEY — Authorities in Ocean County responded Tuesday morning to a reported threat of violence targeting Lacey Township High School, prompting a temporary shelter-in-place as law enforcement assessed the situation.
Ocean County Prosecutor Bradley D. Billhimer said the threat was reported to Lacey Township police at approximately 7:10 a.m. Officials quickly enacted precautionary safety measures while officers from multiple agencies investigated.
Multiple units arrived on the scene, immediately placing the High School into a “Secure” status. Officers quickly cleared the building and surrounding grounds with assistance from neighboring agencies and determined there was no active threat. As a precaution, all other schools within the district were also placed in a “Secure” status.
Simultaneously, officers investigated a secondary address in Forked River believed to be linked to the call. Law enforcement confirmed there was no threat or active incident at that residence.
Following a preliminary investigation, it appears the report was a “swatting” incident—a false report intended to trigger a law enforcement response. The secure status for all district schools was lifted at 10:05 a.m., and normal operations have resumed. However, the school remains under increased security as a precaution.
The Lacey Township Police Department remains committed to the safety and security of our students and residents. As always, officers will continue to maintain a presence throughout the school district.
The Ocean County Prosecutor’s Office, Lacey Township Police Department and Ocean County Sheriff’s Office are continuing to investigate and are working to identify whoever made the threat.
Officials are asking anyone with information to contact Lt. Brad Frank of the Ocean County Prosecutor’s Office at 732-929-2027, ext. 3689, or Lt. Michael Hein of the Lacey Township Police Department at 609-693-6636, ext. 2594.
