RDHS Discovers Violent Threat, Increased Police Presence Instituted

All this week, students and faculty members along with parents will see an increased police presence at the Regional High School as law enforcement investigates a potential threat that was discovered in a school restroom, one day before the . 

The alleged threat, indicated that a student would come to class on Friday, Dec. 21 with the intention of violence. Several parents contacted Patch stating that the alleged threat included the use of a firearm.

"The events in Newtown CT have heightened sensitivity to situations such as these," Superintendent Patrick Fletcher wrote in a letter to parents. "Social media is alive with all sorts of rumors which are only confusing the issue further. As a result, there will be a police presence in the high school beginning on Tuesday, December 18. At this time, there is no reason to discontinue planned events or further interrupt the school calendar. It is no coincidence that the threat is for the day before the district is scheduled for holiday break."

Connecticut state police have said that they collected “good evidence” at Sandy Hook Elementary School as well as at the neighborhood home of suspected gunman Adam Lanza. He's the 20-year-old who is said to have shot and killed his mother before blasting his way into the school at about 9:30 a.m. Friday, fatally shooting 26 people and then himself. An exact motive has yet to be determined.

Currently, the Oradell Police Department are leading the investigation into the alleged threat as the high school is located in that specific borough, although River Edge Police are also involved. Both departments have increased a police presence at both regional schools this week and will continue to do so until the investigation is completed.

"I have been in contact with Oradell Chief of Police Florio and River Edge Chief of Police Carriddi," Fletcher said. "Together, we will continue to monitor the situation and do everything possible to make sure that your children are safe in school during the next week."

Fletcher added that the matter remains under active investigation and the offending party will have legal consequences upon their identification.

School counselors will be made available to all students who need someone to speak with about the Newtown, Ct shooting or the alleged threat at River Dell.

Follow Patch on Facebook and Twitter or subscribe to our free daily newsletter.