HILLSIDE, N.J. — Hillside High School was placed on lockdown Thursday afternoon after police responded to a report of a possible firearm on campus. The search concluded without any weapons found at the school, and all students were safely released from lockdown.
Key Points
- Hillside High School was locked down after reports of a possible firearm.
- No weapons were found on campus, and students were released safely.
- An imitation firearm was later discovered off campus.
Lockdown initiated as precaution
Hillside Police Department officers arrived at the school shortly after receiving a report of a suspicious incident involving a potential firearm. As a precautionary measure, the school was immediately placed on lockdown while officers conducted a detailed search of the premises.
Authorities confirmed that the lockdown was lifted once the school was deemed secure, and no actual weapons were discovered on-site.
Imitation firearm recovered off-campus
According to police, a follow-up investigation led officers to an off-campus location where an imitation firearm was recovered. Officials did not disclose the nature of the item or how it may have been connected to the school incident.
“There is no threat to the school or the community,” the Hillside Police Department stated in an official update.
Ongoing investigation continues
The department said it remains committed to student and staff safety and will continue investigating the incident to determine how the imitation weapon was involved, if at all.
No injuries or arrests have been reported in connection with the event. Further updates will be provided as the investigation progresses.