Crime & Safety
'Ongoing Investigation' At James Caldwell High School
Police were involved in an investigation at James Caldwell High School on Saturday. The music marathon was supposed to be taking place.
UPDATE: An 18-year-old man has been arrested after he posted a social media threat that led to the lockdown of James Caldwell High School on Saturday, police said. Michael Schmitt was charged with false public alarm, according to nj.com.
ORIGINAL STORY: West Caldwell police confirmed that they were involved in an investigation at James Caldwell High School on Saturday afternoon.
Police told Patch there was an "ongoing investigation" at the school after several social media posts appeared that raised concern about a possible lockdown (see below).
Find out what's happening in Caldwellsfor free with the latest updates from Patch.
The "Music Marathon" was supposed to take place at James Caldwell High school from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. on Saturday.
The investigation comes as many are on edge after a number of threats have been made at New Jersey schools over the past week. The threats come after the mass fatal shooting of 17 people at a Florida high school last week. Read more: 4 Arrested – Including 12-Year-Old – After More NJ School Threats
Find out what's happening in Caldwellsfor free with the latest updates from Patch.
Another New Jersey student was arrested after a Friday incident. Read more: NJ On Edge: Another Arrest, Another 'Investigation' At 2 Schools
Here are the posts about James Caldwell:
Pretty empty. Just cleaning up and trying to have no one there. pic.twitter.com/LTMgjbGhFG
— Julianne Chiaet (@JuliChiaet) February 24, 2018
My old band teacher looked at me straight in the eyes and was like, just grab your stuff and get out of here. I graduated 8 years ago so it's good to know I haven't aged much
— Julianne Chiaet (@JuliChiaet) February 24, 2018
Kids are coming back to pick up their stuff. It's safe. But they don't want people there
— Julianne Chiaet (@JuliChiaet) February 24, 2018
One of my sisters said there was no "real" threat. Rather there was a song about shootings. And someone reported it. My other sister was in a different area and they didn't hear any reasons. They were just locked down https://t.co/ohggdFlS9s
— Julianne Chiaet (@JuliChiaet) February 24, 2018
My sister just texted me about a lockdown at James Caldwell High School in NJ. She says it's not a drill and to not text or call her. Lmk if anyone hears anything. #StopGunViolence
— Julianne Chiaet (@JuliChiaet) February 24, 2018
Patch photo
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