Crime & Safety

Bomb Scare at High School Prompted by Bathroom Wall Message

Classroom was evacuated while local, county agencies investigated package reported by teacher.

Morristown High School was evacuated Tuesday morning after a teacher reported an unattended package that turned out to be a lunchbox, according to acting Morris County Prosecutor Fredric Knapp.

It was later determined that the package was a "harmless" lunchbox left in a class.

The evacuation was prompted by the discovery of a bomb threat written on the wall of a boys' bathroom noting Tuesday's date, according to a news release from the school.

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The building was thoroughly searched, and the canine unit was on site prior to students’ arrival. Access to the building was limited, and security efforts were amped up to include the inspection of all backpacks, bags and packages.

After opening school, a teacher spotted a package in her classroom which she could not identify, said the school's release.

Find out what's happening in Morristownwith free, real-time updates from Patch.

The Morris County Prosecutor's Office Homeland Security Unit, Morristown Police Department, Morris Township Police Department and Morris County Sheriff's Office Bomb Squad responded as the classroom was evacuated, Knapp said.

School officials are working closely with the Morristown Police Department to identify the source of the threat. Enhanced security measures will remain in place for the rest of the school year. Anyone with information that may aid in this investigation is asked to report it to Morristown Police at 973-538-2200. 


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