By VASHTI HARRIS
Staff Writer
SOUTH RIVER — A report of a suspicious item found outside a borough school was deemed not to be a threat.
Around 11:10 a.m. on Dec. 9, South River patrol units responded to the South River Elementary and Middle School on Montgomery Street for a report of a suspicious item found outside the building. A preliminary investigation concluded the item not to be a threat, according to information provided by the South River Police Department.
“The item located was inoperable, therefore, not a threat. As a result of the training that occurs on a monthly basis, the students and school staff responded with great composure and patience,” South River Detective Sgt. Peter Roselli said.
As a precautionary measure, all students and staff were sheltered in place, police said. In partnership with the Middlesex County Sheriff Department’s Canine Unit, the South River Police Department conducted a comprehensive sweep of the building. No other suspicious items were found, according to the statement.
During the shelter in place, the needs of all medically fragile students were addressed by school nurses, according to officials.
“The shelter in place remained during our investigation. Students and staff remained in their respective classrooms during this time. There were no medical emergencies as a result of this incident. Anyone who had any prior medical needs was under the authority of the school’s nurse,” Roselli said.
At approximately 2:45 p.m., the Elementary and Middle School building was cleared, and the shelter in place was lifted, according to police.
