LACEY TOWNSHIP, NJ — Police responded to a false threat at Lacey Township High School on May 5, 2026, in what authorities are calling a “swatting” incident.
The Lacey Township Police Department received a telephone threat directed at the high school at approximately 7:10 a.m.
Multiple police units arrived at the scene and immediately placed the high school into a “Secure” status.
Officers cleared the building and surrounding grounds with assistance from neighboring agencies and determined there was no active threat.
All other schools within the district were also placed in a “Secure” status as a precaution.
Officers simultaneously investigated a secondary address in Forked River believed to be linked to the call.
Law enforcement confirmed there was no threat or active incident at that residence.
Following a preliminary investigation, authorities determined the report was a “swatting” incident—a false report intended to trigger a law enforcement response.
The secure status for all district schools was lifted at 10:00 a.m., and normal operations resumed.
The investigation into the source of the call is ongoing.
Anyone with information is encouraged to contact Lieutenant Michael Hein of the Lacey Township Police Department at (609) 693-6636, x-2594.
