PERTH AMBOY (3/22/2024) – The Perth Amboy Police Department is updating information on the shelter-in-place request for some schools in the Northern section of the City earlier today. We confirm there is no immediate threat to the community, as the individual reported to be involved has already been taken into custody.

No injuries or incidents have occurred as a result of this situation. A shelter-in-place was a precaution to ensure public safety, particularly among our school and student population, while the investigation was in the initial phases.

The shelter-in-place was initiated at 12:10 PM and began being lifted at various schools within 90 minutes of the initiation. The police action followed a call received concerning a student behaving suspiciously, possibly having a gun in his possession near a high school, and maybe going to another high school in the city looking for a specific student. The suspect who was taken into custody did not have a gun in his possession. Prompt response and investigation led to the situation being quickly contained and resolved.

We urge the public to exercise caution when posting about this incident on social media, as our investigation is ongoing. Spreading unverified information can hinder law enforcement efforts, cause unnecessary alarm, and affect safety and the judicial process.

The Perth Amboy Police Department is committed to maintaining the safety and security of our community. We thank the public for their cooperation and patience during this incident and assure everyone that we will provide updates as new information becomes available.  For any information that may assist with the case, please contact Detective Nolasco at (732) 732-3879.