Swatting Phone Calls Prompt Widespread Response At Howell Schools, Police Say

HOWELL, NJ — Howell Township schools were ordered to shelter in place on Tuesday after receiving what were determined to be swatting calls, Howell police said.

"The suspicious calls were received by multiple jurisdictions creating a widespread police response in multiple townships," Howell police said in a news release.

The police department said the shelter-in-place orders were issued after the district received the calls out of an abundance of caution.

Howell police officers who are assigned to the schools were joined by patrol officers "within 1-2 minutes," the department said.

"There was a heavy police presence at all schools to ensure safety of students and staff while investigation into the calls took place," the release said.

"Although the calls were believed to be non-credible, Howell Police saturated the area and facilitated a controlled dismissal along with Howell Board of Education," police said.

Wall Township police and Brick Township police also reported swatting incidents at schools in those towns on Tuesday.

"Howell Police Department remains dedicated to the safety of our school community and treat any threat to our community as credible," the department said.