SOUTH RIVER–The South River Police Department put South River High School under “Shelter in Place” after a suspicious item was found at 1:06 p.m. on May 29 inside the building.
Police department personnel responded to the high school for a report of a suspicious item observed inside the building. Out of an abundance of caution, a “shelter in place” was initially issued for high school students and staff, according to police.
After a preliminary investigation concluded that the item was not a threat, the shelter in place was lifted.
The high school and all other public schools proceeded with normal dismissal procedures, according to police. A police presence was maintained in the building and surrounding areas during dismissal as an extra layer of caution, according to police.
As an additional precaution, the police department, along with Middlesex County Sheriff Department canine units, conducted a comprehensive sweep of the high school building. At approximately 3:53 p.m., the building was cleared after no suspicious items were found, according to police.
“Although this incident caused a minor disruption to the school day, ensuring the safety and well-being of our children at all times is a paramount priority of our department,” Chief of Police Mark Tinitigan said in a prepared statement.
In addition, the South River Police Department Detective Bureau immediately initiated a thorough investigation. The investigation proved there to be no credible threat or danger, according to police.
