BY ERIKA NORTON
WEST MILFORD — West Milford police launched an investigation Thursday evening after a Macopin Middle School student posted a “threatening” social media post with what turned out to be a toy foam gun.
According to West Milford Police, a Macopin Middle School student posted a photo of themself posing with what appeared to be a gun on social media with threatening comments attached to the photo.
In the black and white photo posted on social media, police said in a statement that it was difficult to tell if the gun was real.
After an investigation, police identified the student and the gun turned out to be a toy foam gun.
Superintendent of Schools Alex Anemone said in a blog post early Friday morning that the district is working with the West Milford Police Department and other professionals to manage the situation.
“We opened our schools today without incident and with very few students absent,” Anemone said in the post. “We would like to thank all the students who came forward and shared this post with our staff members. We instruct our students that, ‘if you hear or see something, say something’ and they all informed a trusted adult.
“Lastly, I would also like to thank the WMPD for their efforts last night and again today,” he continued. “They are truly ‘all in’ for our children.”
West Milford Police posted in Facebook Friday morning it is not a crime to post a photo of him/herself holding a gun. However, the photo was coupled with words consider to be threatening.
Second incident this weekThis was not the first incident at a West Milford school involving police. On Wednesday, May 23, police say a high school student lit a sparkler and placed it into a trash can in the boy’s bathroom causing a small fire.
The fire was contained in the garbage can and extinguished with a fire extinguisher. Police say the student has been identified and criminal charges are being filed.
“Parents of students in school, we ask that you speak to your children about their behavior and what is posted on social media,” West Milford Police posted on Facebook Friday morning. “In both instances above the students thought they were being ‘funny’ and ‘only joking around’ but their actions cause serious consequences not only for them but for those who respond to the emergencies. If someone gets injured or killed responding to a fire call that is purposely or recklessly set, the student(s) will face more serious criminal charges.”
'Speak to your children'Police urge West Milford parents to tell their children how actions can trigger a number of responses not just from the schools, but from emergency personnel.
West Milford police protocols must be followed, and notifications must be made to the Passaic County Prosecutors Office, the New Jersey State Police Regional Operations Intelligence Center, Homeland Security and the FBI in threats made to schools.
All threats deemed credible and non-credible are investigated and notifications are made, West Milford police said, and any threats deemed credible will be shared with all parents through the schools Honeywell System and social media.
“Be assured that we as emergency responders will never put your child’s life in jeopardy,” the post continued, “and if we deem a threat credible, notifications will be made to you as a parent immediately.”
West Milford police also asked for the public’s continued assistance when coming across questionable or threatening social media posts so that police can investigate.
“These are different times with all that is going on in this world that we as parents did not have to contend with when we were children,” the Facebook post reads. “Be that as it may, the one thing that hasn’t changed is that we will always protect our children and keep them safe.
"We hope everyone understands and appreciates our position on these issues.”