Montclair Schools Shut Down After Threat; Staff Member Arrested

Montclair Schools Shut Down After Threat; Staff Member Arrested

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Schools in Montclair, New Jersey, were closed Monday after a social media threat targeted a staff member, police reported. Authorities suspect the threat came from a district employee currently on administrative leave.

Late Sunday, administrators alerted police to the potential threat, which was directed at a staff member of Northeast Elementary School. Details about the threat, including its content and method, have not been disclosed.

By Monday morning, Superintendent Damen Cooper announced the threat had been “neutralized.” In a statement, Cooper emphasized the district’s commitment to safety and acknowledged the disruption caused by the situation.

“I want to inform you that, through the diligent efforts and collaboration with the Montclair Police Department, the threat we were addressing has been neutralized,” tCooper’s statement said.

Police identified 45-year-old Amir Doctry, a staff member on leave, as the suspect. He was arrested in Philadelphia and charged with terroristic threats, with more charges pending. The reason for his administrative leave remains unclear.

Out of caution, Montclair police increased patrols at district schools. Authorities, including the Essex County Prosecutor’s Office, continue to investigate. They stated there is no current threat to school safety.

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