Armed Man Arrested Outside Westfield Elementary School (Updated)

WESTFIELD, NJ - A man armed with a firearm and ammunition prompted a lockdown at Tamaques School in Westfield Thursday afternoon, according to Westfield Chief of Police Christopher Battiloro.

At approximately 3:54 p.m. the Westfield Police Department responded to a call from Delaware State Police seeking an individual they believed may be on the premises of Tamaques School, Battiloro said.

Police responded immediately and found the individual in his car in the Tamaques School parking lot, in possession of a firearm and ammunition, Battiloro said. The individual was immediately taken into custody while the building was placed on lockdown with after-school activities in session, Battiloro said.

A security sweep of the building and its perimeter was conducted prior to the lockdown being lifted at approximately 5:32 p.m., and children were released to their parents without incident, Battiloro said.

According to Battiloro, police canines were brought in for a final, precautionary sweep, but there is currently no evidence to suggest any threat to the community.

"The Westfield Police Department thanks the staff of Tamaques School and the Westfield Board of Education for its cooperation to ensure the safety of everyone on the property," Battiloro said.

There are no additional details available at this time, as this remains an active investigation, authorities said. Police declined to release the name of the person arrested.

Union County Prosecutor's Office spokesperson Mark Spivey told Patch there would be an expected announcement of charges Friday.

"I’m very grateful for the swift work of our Town of Westfield, NJ Police Department in apprehending an armed suspect in the parking lot of Tamaques Elementary School, a situation which is every parent’s worst nightmare," Mayor Shelley Brindle said. "Thank you to our WPD, the Tamaques administration, and to the Board of Ed. for working together to ensure all our students and faculty were safe."

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