Police actively investigating threats at Newark High

This story has been updated with new information at 10 a.m. on Friday, Jan. 5.

An active investigation is happening at Christina School District’s Newark High School.

The Newark Police Department announced the investigation Thursday, as it is looking into threats made to the school and school staff. 

“There is not believed to be a threat to the public and this is believed to be a “swatting” type incident,” the department’s statement said. 

Immediate attempts to reach the school and district for comment or additional details were unsuccessful.

At approximately 1:10 p.m. on Thursday, the Newark Police Department Communications Center received a phone call from a subject claiming that they were outside of Newark High School and were planning to enter the school and shoot students and staff members.

Newark Police school resource officers along with Christina School District constables, who were already at the school, immediately responded to the threatening phone call.

Additional Newark Police patrol officers also responded to the scene, and officers quickly determined that no shooting or acts of violence were taking place in or around the school.

Early investigative efforts led officers to determine that this incident was a hoax or what has commonly been referred to as a “swatting” incident and there was no threat to the student body, staff or school.

Detectives from the Criminal Investigations Unit responded to the scene to assume the investigation while Newark Police Officers remained at the school to ensure the safe and peaceful dismissal of the students at the end of the school day.

This is an active and ongoing investigation.

Anyone with information about this incident is asked to contact Detective W. Anderson at (302) 366-7100 extension 3469 or [email protected].

Additional methods for providing information to Newark Police can be found on the department’s tips page, where reward information may also be available.