LINDEN, N.J. — A 9-1-1 call reporting a man carrying a rifle near East Elizabeth Avenue and North Park Avenue prompted a swift response from Linden police Wednesday morning, leading to a precautionary lockdown of nearby schools.
Officers were dispatched to the area around 7:50 a.m., but after a thorough search, they determined that the individual in question was not armed. The lockdown, which was put in place to ensure the safety of students and staff, was lifted at approximately 9:15 a.m.
“Nothing is more precious than our children, and we take any potential threat to their safety very seriously,” said Linden Police Chief David Hart. He expressed gratitude to the Elizabeth Police Department, Linden Public Schools, and local parents for their cooperation during the incident.
Linden Public Schools, which are scheduled for early dismissal today, assured parents that safety protocols were followed. Police have also increased their presence around schools to provide additional reassurance to the community.
While the report was unfounded, Chief Hart emphasized the importance of vigilance and reporting suspicious activity, particularly as the holiday season begins.