Report Of Gunman Temporarily Locks Down 3 Bergen County Schools

PALISADES PARK, NJ — A lockdown in the Palisades Park schools was lifted Thursday after a report of a gunman proved to be unfounded, police said.

Police said in a statement that they received a false report of an armed man on Thursday morning.

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"The Palisades Park Police Department responded to a report of a man carrying a firearm near Broad Avenue and East Palisades Boulevard," they said.

The statement, from Police Chief George Beck, said the caller claimed the gunman was wearing a black baseball cap, blue shirt, and blue pants.

Police who were on duty nearby canvassed the area immediately.

A nearby elementary school, dance academy, and early childhood learning center were told to shelter in place out of an abundance of caution, the chief said.

After a search and review of security footage, as well as a preliminary investigation, detectives determined that the report was unfounded and that there was no credible threat.

Daily operations resumed as of the afternoon, Beck said.

False reports have locked down schools in various North Jersey towns this year, with several in spring. Read more here.