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Ridgefield Park Teen Accused Of Posting 'Shoot Up' School Threat

RIDGEFIELD PARK, N.J. -- A 16-year-old Ridgefield Park Junior-Senior High School student was under court supervision after authorities said he posted an unfounded threat to "shoot up a school" on social media.

Ridgefield Park Junior-Senior High School

Ridgefield Park Junior-Senior High School

Photo Credit: Courtesy Eamonn Radburn

Village detectives immediately traced Tuesday evening's single-sentence threat to the boy's home, Ridgefield Park Police Lt. Joe Rella said late Thursday afternoon.

The boy was kept out of school and brought Wednesday night before a Family Division judge in Superior Court in Hackensack on delinquency complaints for offenses that include making terroristic threats, cyber harassment and causing a false public alarm, Rella said.

The lieutenant emphasized that "there has been no evidence discovered to indicate that this was a credible threat, or that anyone in the school was ever in danger. At the current time there have been no victims or targets identified, no 'plan' identified, no weapons or contraband located and no other people suspected of being involved."

However, he said: "The police department is taking this matter seriously and is continuing to investigate the incident."

In an email sent to parents at 5 p.m. Thursday, Schools Supt. Eric W. Koenig wrote, in part:

"Please understand this information was not released earlier as no evidence was identified giving credibility to the threat and at no time did we feel anyone attending school would be in danger and for concern that it would cause unnecessary public fear and alarm. It is only being released now to avoid rumors or misinformation that may come to circulate as a result of the ongoing police investigation

"To help alleviate any public concern that may exist, the police department will maintain an increased police presence at the school tomorrow has it has the past two days.

"Student and staff safety is our number one priority. The school district, in conjunction with the police department, will always take prudent action in ensuring the safety and well-being of our students and our staff. Should any information change and there is cause for concern, you will be notified and appropriate precautions taken."

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