Police: Investigating 'Unfounded' Threat At George Washington Middle School

Ridgewood police Chief John Ward has said that authorities will prosecute and seek full reimbursement for what was a full-scale response this morning regarding what turned out to be a bogus report of a gunman on the roof of George Washington MIddle School.

Authorities gave the all-clear at 10:20 a.m. following a brief lockdown and response for several law enforcement agencies, Cliffviewpilot.com reported.

Such “swatting” incidents have become increasingly more common in North Jersey and across the country. A caller claimed to have a bomb strapped to his chest

A man who claimed to be suicidal and with a bomb “strapped to his body,” called authorities from the Pizza Hut in Fort Lee Sunday.

The incident closed Route 46 in both directions for more than four hours, according to Fort Lee police.

Ridgewood Superintendent of Schools Daniel Fishbein posted the following letter on the district website Thursday:

To Ridgewood Parents and Staff:

This morning we received a phone call threat at George Washington Middle School that turned out to be a hoax. The Ridgewood Police were called and implemented their emergency response measures. They inspected the building and made sure it was secure before turning it back to school administrators. The police informed me that all our emergency procedures worked flawlessly and the GW administrators, teachers and students should be commended.

Unfortunately, these “swatting hoax” incidents have been in the news lately and now we have fallen victim to it. The Ridgewood Police Department is investigating this incident and when the person who made the call is found, they will be prosecuted.

Just to reassure you, everything is fine and students are back in class.

Be assured that the health and safety of our students and staff are our highest priority.

Daniel Fishbein

Superintendent of Schools