Gun Threat Led To Lockdown At Westfield High School, Police Ask For Information

WESTFIELD, NJ — A lockdown was in place at Westfield High School on Tuesday, Westfield Police said.

According to the Coordinator of School and Community Relations, Katherine Ernst, everyone was safe, and the lockdown was cleared and lifted.

At around 11:30 a.m., a threat was reported to the School Resource Officer at the school.

"Suspicious writing" was found on a table and prompted the law enforcement response, Ernst added. The threat indicated that a gun was involved, according to Westfield Police Chief Christopher Battiloro.

The district's elementary and intermediate schools were also put in a shelter-in-place as a precaution while teaching continued.

No gun or any other threat was found. Students were dismissed at around 2:50 p.m.

There were four students with medical concerns present before the response who were assessed by the Westfield Volunteer Rescue Squad, but none required further treatment.

"Our safety protocols functioned as intended, and we commend our students and staff for their calm and professional response," said Ernst. "Law enforcement responded quickly and utilized canine and technological resources."

Counseling services are available, and police will maintain "a visible presence" at schools during the next few days.

The source of the threat is still being reviewed. Anyone with information is asked to contact 908-789-6085 or ddasilva@wpdnj.org.

The Garwood Police Department, Fanwood Police Department, Westfield Fire Department, and the Union County Prosecutor's Office all assisted with the response.

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