West Orange School 'Shelters-In-Place,' Empty Gun Magazine Found: Officials

WEST ORANGE, NJ — A shelter-in -place was issued at West Orange High School on Wednesday morning after reports emerged that a student was possibly in possession of a weapon or a weapon accessory – which turned out to be an empty magazine, authorities said.

The shelter-in -place has since been lifted and the school has resumed regular activities, district administrators said.

Principal Oscar Guerrero released details about the incident in a message to the school community:

“This morning, multiple students reported concerns to school administration that a student may have been in possession of a weapon or a weapon accessory. The student was located and apprehended immediately. Law enforcement conducted a thorough search and confirmed that no firearm or ammunition was found. The student was in possession of the reported item, which was an empty magazine.

“As a precaution, a shelter-in-place was implemented. The West Orange Police Department, along with the [Essex County] Sheriff’s Office, conducted a comprehensive search of the building and campus to ensure the safety and well-being of all students and staff. After completing the search, law enforcement gave the all-clear, and the building has resumed regular activities for the remainder of the day.

“Administration remains firmly committed to the safety of our students and staff as our highest priority. We take every report seriously and respond accordingly. We thank our students for speaking up and encourage everyone, especially in today’s climate, to continue reporting anything that seems out of the ordinary so we can keep our community safe.

“As always, please do not rely on rumors. Allow authorities to handle situations and communicate official information as it becomes available.”

LOCKDOWN ON JANUARY 5

Authorities issued a lockdown at West Orange High School earlier this month after a student allegedly threatened other students during a verbal argument, administrators previously said.

No student or staff members were in danger at any point during the incident, Guerrero said.

“The safety of our students and staff remains our top priority,” he added, thanking staff and students for their “calm response” to the incident.

• See Related: Student 'Threat' Sparks Lockdown At West Orange High School, Principal Says

Send local news tips and correction requests to eric.kiefer@patch.com