Student Arrested After Bergen County High School Goes Into Lockdown: Officials

BERGEN COUNTY, NJ — A Bergen County student caused a lockdown on Monday after bringing a weapon to school, police said.

Northern Valley Regional High School in Old Tappan was placed into lockdown around 11:30 a.m., after a student reported that another student had a weapon, said school officials.

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The Bergen County SWAT Team and Sheriff's Office responded, along with police from Old Tappan, Northvale, Norwood, Harrington Park, Closter, and River Vale.

A student was found with a CO2 air pistol and taken into custody, said Old Tappan Police Chief Kathryn Weaver.

Police intend to charge the student with "threat and weapons" related offenses, Weaver said on Monday afternoon.

Law enforcement officials have said that air guns can be dangerous and damaging to humans.

After the student was found, a county K-9 unit swept the building, school officials said. The lockdown was lifted around 1 p.m.

Counseling services were made available and will continue to be offered to students, said school officials.

Weaver said on Monday, "The rapid response from our local and county partners ensured that this situation was resolved safely and quickly."

School officials said the incident was a reminder to follow the practice of "If you see something, say something."

"This situation is a great example of how engaging in this practice keeps people safe," the district said in a statement.

Schools Superintendent James Santana said, "We want to thank the responding local police departments, Bergen County Sheriff’s Office, and Bergen County SWAT Team who responded in such a professional and decisive manner. We also want to commend our students and staff for their exemplary cooperation in following the district’s lockdown procedures during this high-stress event."

The regional high school serves students in grades 9-12 from Harrington Park, Northvale, Norwood, and Old Tappan.