Lakewood HS Locked Down After Report Of Man With Rifle: Police

LAKEWOOD, NJ — Lakewood High School was locked down Tuesday evening after police received a report of a man with a semiautomatic rifle near the high school, Lakewood police said.

Howell police notified Lakewood police about 5 p.m. that they had received a call from a person who reported seeing a man get out of a pickup truck with the rifle near the school, Lakewood Capt. Gregory Staffordsmith said.

Lakewood High School was locked down and a systematic search for any possible threat was conducted, Staffordsmith said. There was nothing found, he said.

After the search was completed, the lockdown was lifted; several patrol units remained at the school until all students and staff ended their day, he said.

"Although this matter was determined to be unfounded, the Lakewood Police Department is dedicated to ensuring the safety of our children, teachers and administrators," Staffordsmith said.

Anyone with information is urged to contact the Lakewood Police Department Detective Bureau at 732-363-0200.