Dickinson High School in Jersey City was put on alert after threats of violence circulated. A threat made towards students resulted in the arrest of a student on Monday, while another case was revealed to have been not associated with the school, according to city officials.
The first incident took place on Sunday afternoon on Dec. 12, where school officials were informed of a post threatening Egyptian students. The Jersey City Police Department was contacted, and began investigating and providing increased security at the school on Monday.
Police eventually arrested a 16-year-girl on Monday, Dec. 13, and charged her with false public alarm and two counts of terroristic threats.
The second incident started on Tuesday, Dec. 14, when students notified school officials about a post circulating across multiple schools, with officials notifying police.
However, it was revealed that the post was not targeted at Dickinson, but at New Brunswick High School. Police in Jersey City investigated with the New Brunswick Police Department, with the police there eventually arresting a 14-year-old student from the school the following day, and charged him after threatening to shoot up the school.
Threats of violence towards schools have increased across the state of New Jersey after a shooting in Oxford, Michigan led to the deaths of four people.
The Jersey City Police Department will remain around the school to ensure safety for students and staff, according to Jersey City spokesperson Kimberly Wallace-Scalcione. Jersey City schools will continue to remain vigilant, according to Deputy Superintendent Dr. Norma Fernandez.
For updates on this and other stories, check www.hudsonreporter.com and follow us on Twitter @hudson_reporter. Mark Koosau can be reached at mkoosau@hudsonreporter.com or his Twitter @snivyTsutarja.
