Suspect In Toms River East School Shooting Threat Identified

Toms River police have identified an 18-year-old man as the suspect behind a shooting threat at Toms River High School East.

Frank Smentkowski, 18, of Flaam Street was arrested Friday and charged with one count of creating a false public alarm after the threat compelled officials to lockdown the school.

The charges stem from Smentkowski allegedly posting a photograph of another student on social media with a caption alluding to the school being “shot up,” police said.

Searches were conducted and no weapons were located, and police don’t believe he has any access to weapons.

Smentkowski allegedly made the social media post without thoroughly contemplating the consequences of his actions, police said. The detectives do not believe there was ever a credible threat posed to anyone and that this was an instance of poor judgment being used, according to spokesman Ralph Stocco.

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However, prior to the conclusion of the investigation, it had to be initially taken as credible, he said.

“We never want to take a chance when there is even the remotest possibility of danger to the community,” he said.

The school staff and students are also to be commended for their cooperation during this incident, he said.

“All protocols that are practiced in the event of serious incidents on school property were followed, and had this been a legitimate threat, we are confident that all appropriate measures were implemented,” he said.

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