Passaic County Prosecutor Camelia M. Valdes and Wanaque Police Chief Ketih V. Spillane
announce that the Wanaque Police Department and Ringwood Police Department received a
report of a potential threat to Wanaque Regional High School. According to the report, on
September 6, 2024, a student at the High School was allegedly overheard making a threatening
statement about another classmate. As a result, the Wanaque Police Department has increased its
presence at all Wanaque schools and extra-curricular activities, and all school districts were fully
apprised of the situation and operated under their normal school schedule.
Members of the Wanaque Police Department met with the student and the student’s parent. A
records check indicated that no firearms were registered to any family members living in the
home.
Based on this information coupled with conflicting and uncorroborated information collected
during its investigation, the Wanaque Police Department concluded that there was no credible
threat to the students at the school.
Over the past week, information has been circulating on social media which has caused concern
amongst the community however, the investigation has found this information to be unsupported.
The Passaic County Prosecutor’s Office asks anyone with additional information about this
incident to contact us on our tips line at 1-877-370-PCPO or tips@passaiccountynj.org or contact
the Wanaque Police Department at 973-835-5600.
