PASSAIC, NJ – An 18-year-old Passaic man was arrested by the Paramus Police Department for causing a false public alarm at the Windsor Preparatory High School on Friday.
Alex Barrales reported a false 911 call that prompted Paramus Police Officers to be dispatched to Windsor Preparatory High School on a report of a male being threatened with a knife.
“Paramus Patrol Officers arrived on scene and were able to quickly determine that the reported incident was a false 911 call,” police reported. “While investigating the previous call, additional Paramus Officers were dispatched to the Garden State Plaza on a 911 call reporting a shooting in progress. During the course of the 911 call, the dispatcher could hear several loud bangs in background initially believed to be gunshots.”
Officers initiated an active shooter response and, shortly after arrival, determined the 911 call to be false.
“Detective Joshua Capizzi investigated the incidents and was able to determine both false 911 calls were made by Alex Barrales, a former Windsor Preparatory High School student” police said.
He was taken into custody by the Irvington Police Department and subsequently transported to Paramus Police Headquarters.