Newark High School Threat Incident – Update
On Thursday, January 4, 2023, at approximately 1:10 P.M., 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. 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. 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 wanderson@newark.de.us . Additional methods for providing information to Newark Police can be found on our tips page, where reward information may also be available.
