Knife-Wielding Man Sought in Long Valley Neighborhood

A heavy police presence including a helicopter could be seen in the Fawnridge Drive area of Long Valley Monday afternoon, all in search of a missing person who allegedly was walking around with a knife and threatening self-harm.

Washington Township police said the presence was needed to search for a missing person, but would not give a description as of 3 p.m.

A short while later the Washington Township School District released a Honeywell alert that stated a man was seen in the area with long hair and carrying a knife. The district asked residents in the area to pick up Long Valley Middle School students at the building rather than bringing them home by bus Monday.

“It is believed that the man was threatening self-harm,” the alert said. “There are 18 officers scouring the area and it is believed that the man has fled, perhaps to Sussex County. He is described as having long hair and wearing a tan jacket, a brown cap, blue jeans, and black boots. The police do know the identity of the individual and are continuing the investigation.”

Helicopters could be seen flying overhead as far north as Flocktown Road, and residents in the area reported seeing up to a dozen police vehicles in the neighborhood.

Residents in the neighborhood also reported receiving a phone call from the police department saying a there was a person in the area with tan pants, black hat, and black backpack, but no other details were given.

Stay with Patch for more details as they become available.