Phone Threat Caused Matawan-Aberdeen School Lockdown

ABERDEEN, NJ — A threatening phone call received at Matawan Regional High School caused Monday's district-wide lockdown, said Aberdeen Police Chief Matthew Lloyd.

"Earlier this afternoon, the administration of Matawan Regional High School reported receiving a threatening phone call to the school’s main office. Upon receiving the report, the School Resource Officer (SRO), along with school district staff, immediately placed the high school in lockdown. Out of an abundance of caution, lockdown procedures were also implemented at all schools throughout the Matawan Aberdeen Regional School District."

"Officers from the Aberdeen Township Police Department’s Patrol and Detective Divisions responded and initiated a thorough investigation. Officers from surrounding law enforcement agencies assisted by maintaining a presence at each school while lockdown procedures remained in place. Assistance was provided by the Matawan Borough Police Department and the Monmouth County Sheriff’s Office, whose officers helped maintain security at school locations during the incident."

"Based on the findings of the investigation, the reported threat was determined not to be credible. The safety and security of students and staff remain the highest priority. All threats are taken extremely seriously and are investigated without delay. Anyone found responsible for making threats against our schools will be prosecuted to the fullest extent of the law. The Aberdeen Township Police Department will continue to maintain a presence at school buildings to ensure the ongoing safety of students and staff. Anyone with information related to this incident is asked to contact the Aberdeen Township Police Department Detective Division at 732-566-2054 ext. 707.Chief Matthew Lloyd Aberdeen Township Police Department"

And from superintendent Nelyda Perez, here is more information about the lockdown Monday at all Matawan-Aberdeen Regional schools.

The following is a letter Perez sent home to parents:

Dear MARSD School Community,

Earlier today, the district was placed on lockdown while law enforcement investigated a reported threat directed at Matawan Regional High School. Due to the nature of the threat and with an abundance of caution, the Aberdeen Police Department advised the District to place all schools on lockdown. While we are in an active lockdown and focused primarily on the safety of our students, staff, and school community, we are unfortunately limited in sharing the specific details of the investigation.

Thank you for your patience as we addressed this situation. In the initial moments of the situation, we communicated quickly and with limited information so we could prioritize the safety and wellbeing of our students and staff.

Today, after a thorough investigation, law enforcement determined the threat was deemed not credible, and advised the District to lift the lockdown. The District will not provide additional information about the threat under advisement of law enforcement.

We are incredibly grateful to the Aberdeen Township Police, Matawan Boro Police Department, and the Monmouth County Sheriff's Office for their quick response and investigation. Their collaboration with our administration ensured that students were safe throughout the situation.

I also want to express my gratitude to all of our building administrators, teachers and staff at each building who followed all safety protocols during the lockdown. Additionally, our counseling staff was available to support students and staff after the lockdown and will be available at all buildings. Any students who would like additional support can follow up with their counselor or principal.

Finally, all schools will follow their schedules as planned tomorrow. Please note there will be an increased police presence around the schools tomorrow simply as a precautionary measure.

Thank you again for your cooperation and continued partnership.

Respectfully,

Adele

"County and local law enforcement investigated and determined that the threat is not credible; all students and staff are safe," said the school district in a Facebook post at about 3 p.m. Monday.

"All schools except MRHS are dismissing at their normal time; please expect bussing delays. MRHS will begin dismissing immediately. There will be an increased police presence at each of the schools at dismissal. Thank you for your patience and understanding. Our highest priority is the safety of students and staff."

Neither the school district nor police immediately revealed what the threat is.

Parents posted on Facebook that police officers, with guns drawn, went classroom to classroom inside the schools.

"The safety and security of students and staff remain top priorities," said the school district. "Families are asked to stay where they are and remain available to receive any instructions. Additional information will be shared as it becomes available."