Howell School Rumors Prompt Police Chief's Rebuke

HOWELL, NJ -- Rumors about a school in Howell that were being circulated on social media Thursday evening drew a rebuke from Howell Township Police Chief Andrew J. Kudrick Jr.

In a post to the department's Facebook page, Kudrick said rumors of a threat were unfounded.

"We follow up on every comment that could be even loosely construed as a threat," he wrote. "We committed a significant amount of time and resources today tracking down those responsible for these comments."

"No one was taken into custody," he wrote.

But the rumors flared on social media, prompting his response.

"If there was a situation with any credibility we would make a community notification in partnership with our schools," he said. "While we encourage those with information to bring it to our attention, it’s counterproductive to post anything without any type of direct knowledge or verification. It’s actually irresponsible."

"It adversely effects everyone when adults decide to go on social media and create concern," Kudrick wrote.

Kudrick said no one was arrested.