'Threatening’ Message At Belleville School Not Credible: Police

BELLEVILLE, NJ — Police arrested a teen who formerly attended Belleville High School after a “threatening” message appeared on a bathroom stall last week, authorities said.

A 16-year-old student was accused of writing the message, which police eventually deemed not to be credible. Authorities charged the teen with creating a false public alarm. He’s since transferred to another school, NorthJersey.com reported.

Belleville police initially announced they were investigating the incident on Oct. 23. Police provided a letter from Superintendent Richard Tomko explaining more about the situation:

“I have been contacted with regard to a police incident that was discovered late today, October 23, 2019, through an investigation by our high school administration and detectives from the Belleville Police Department. Administrators discovered that someone had written a threatening sentence as graffiti on a stall in a high school bathroom. During the course of the investigation and due to the thorough work of our administrative team and the Belleville detectives, the threat is not considered credible, and the police are continuing to actively investigate the situation. The Essex County Prosecutors office was notified and assisted with the investigation. As a precautionary measure, additional officers and patrols will be present at the high school tomorrow.”

Tomko continued:

“There was never any imminent threat to any person at our schools. In light of the events that have occurred in districts and around the country over the past several years, it is most important that we continue to communicate with you to assure you that we are working together to investigate and mitigate any and all concerns related to our district schools. It is also important to note that these acts of intimidation will not be tolerated in the Belleville Public Schools District nor throughout the Belleville community. Furthermore, it is imperative that our school community understands that our administration and staff work together with the fine men and women of the Belleville Police Department to continuously ensure that our students and faculty remain safe in our school buildings. Working with Police Chief Minichini and Mr. Rubin, School Safety Services Director, we continue to take proactive measures as an assurance that Belleville remains on the forefront of school safety and awareness.”

Tomko concluded:

“I want to commend our administrative team, Chief Minichini and members of the Belleville Police Department, as well as Mr. Rubin and our Safety Services Team for working each day to maintain a safe and orderly environment in our district schools and around our neighborhoods. Remember, if you see something, say something.”

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