Hunter Sighting Keeps Students At School Briefly: Manchester PD

MANCHESTER, NJ — A licensed hunter walking through the woods prompted a brief hold for students at Whiting Elementary School at the end of the school day Tuesday, Manchester police said.

Manchester Capt. Vincent Manco said a passerby called police at 3:25 p.m. after seeing someone with a weapon near the Whiting Assembly of God Church on Tuesday afternoon.

While police were responding to investigate, school administration at Whiting Elementary School was contacted and the students held at the school out of an overabundance of caution, even though the hunter was nearly three-quarters of a mile from the school, Manco said.

Police who responded found the man was a properly licensed hunter with a crossbow, who was appropriately dressed for hunting, Manco said.

There was no danger to students or residents, he said.

Fall bow season for deer opened in the Manchester area on Oct. 1.

Note: This report has been updated throughout with additional information from Manchester Township police.