Howell High School Threat Rumor 'Unsubstantiated:' Police Chief

HOWELL, NJ -- Rumors that have been circulating about a threat to Howell High School are unsubstantiated, Howell Township Police Chief Andrew J. Kudrick Jr. said Wednesday evening.

In a news release he posted to the police department's Facebook page, Kudrick said the police department did investigated rumors of a threat, and "our investigators have determined there is no threat to Howell High School at this time."

"Although student status is confidential in such a matter, the actions taken by the high school administration are consistent with the expectations of this department," Kudrick said. He did not release details about the nature of the rumors.

"While fear of such a tragic incident occurring is understood, the police department and high school would release information immediately if we believed the school community was at imminent risk," Kudrick said. "This was not the case."

But rumors spread anyway, he said, reminding parents specifically "not to circulate or interpret as real information that is only speculative."

Kudrick said he and Principal Jeremy Braverman are in constant communication.

"I can assure you the safety of the school community is our highest priority," he said.

He said no criminal charges have been filed and there would be no further action taken at this time.

"No further information release will follow unless there are additional developments that we believe warrants notification," he said. "We have considered this initial incident CLOSED."

Photo via Howell Township Police