Lacey Township High School Threat Under Investigation

No credible threat found after call targeting this High School in Ocean County

Lacey Township High School Threat Under Investigation

Ocean County Prosecutor Bradley D. Billhimer announced that the Ocean County Prosecutor’s Office, Lacey Township Police Department, and Ocean County Sheriff’s Office are currently investigating a reported threat directed toward Lacey Township High School.

On May 5, 2026, at approximately 7:10 a.m., the Lacey Township Police Department received a call threatening violence at Lacey Township High School.

In an abundance of caution, shelter-in-place was immediately implemented while law enforcement conducted a thorough assessment of the situation. Initial investigation has revealed that there is no credible threat to the students or the public.

At approximately 10:05 a.m., the shelter-in-place was lifted and the school was reopened. Lacey Township High School remains under heightened security as the investigation proceeds.

A number of units responded to the location, promptly designating the High School as being in a "Secure" status. Officers efficiently evacuated the building and the nearby area with help from local agencies, confirming that there was no ongoing threat. As a safety measure, all other schools in the district were similarly put into a "Secure" status.

At the same time, officers looked into a second address in Forked River that was thought to be connected to the call. Law enforcement verified that there was no threat or active situation at that location.

Following a preliminary investigation, it appears 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 have resumed.

The Lacey Township Police Department remains committed to the safety and security of our students and residents. As always, our Officers will continue to maintain a presence throughout the school district. The Lacey Township Police Department would like to thank the numerous agencies that responded to assist.

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.