HOPEWELL TOWNSHIP, NJ — Hopewell Valley Central High School was placed in lockdown Friday after staff discovered a suspicious item inside the building.
Hopewell Township Police responded to the school at 12:32 p.m. April 17, 2026, according to Lt. Joseph Maccaquano.
Details of the investigation are not being released at this time, police said.
Officers decided to conduct a thorough and systematic search of the building.
The school remained in lockdown status for the duration of the search.
Additional law enforcement resources and personnel responded to assist due to the size and scope of the search.
The search concluded at approximately 4 p.m.
Students and staff were released from the school soon after.
A law enforcement presence remained throughout dismissal.
Det. Steven Ciosek is investigating.
