Lockdown Lifted Following Threat At Watchung Hills High School

WARREN, NJ — A lockdown at Watchung Hills Regional High School has been lifted as of 2:04 p.m. following a phone threat, said Superintendent Dr. Elizabeth Jewett.

The threat was deemed not credible following an investigation by the WHRHS Security Team, Warren Police, Somerset County Prosecutor's Office, Somerset County Sheriff’s Office, as well as responding law enforcement agencies from surrounding municipalities.

"The lockdown is being lifted and all students are being dismissed," said Jewett.

The security lockdown went into effect around 12:12 p.m. on Wednesday and was conducted in accordance with district policies and procedures out of an abundance of caution.

"Threats to our students and staff are taken seriously, and we will always respond accordingly," said Jewett.

An increased police presence will remain at the high school throughout the week. The increase in police was already in effect Wednesday morning after a gunman killed at least 19 students and 2 adults at a Texas elementary school on Tuesday. Read More: Increased Patrols At Warren Schools After Deadly Texas Shooting

Dismissal rules:

• Buses will be lined up on Stirling Rd. which is currently closed to all other traffic.
• Parents picking up students should do so by Gym 5/6. Enter campus via Mountain Avenue

At this time the matter remains under investigation by the Warren Police Department.

Warren Police previously announced the lockdown on its Facebook page asking "that parents DO NOT respond to the high school at this time."

Police also said at the time, "We do not believe the threat is credible. Out of an abundance of caution, police are on sight investigating the threat," said Warren Township - NJ Police Department in an update on Wednesday just after 1 p.m.

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