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On Tuesday, March 18, a 17-year-old was arrested at Woodbridge High School after a loaded gun was found in his backpack, after he sent another student threatening text messages, Middlesex County Prosecutor Yolanda Ciccone and Woodbridge Township Police Director Joseph Nisky said.
Superintendent Joseph Massimino said the district had received a positive response to using metal detectors at athletic and co-curricular events this school year, and said initially, the plan was to fund metal detectors for the 2025-2026 school year. But the incident two weeks ago changed their plans, Massimno said in a letter to parents a day after the student was apprehended.
"Our district will not be waiting until next school year to implement this resource," Massimino said. "Our school district has already placed an order for delivery where they will be immediately deployed to each of our three high schools."
Massimino said he understands parents frustration with needing to have a metal detectors at schools.
"However, I, along with the Board of Education, also recognize that student and staff safety must remain our top priority and we are willing to take whatever steps are necessary," Massimino said.
The juvenile was charged with acts of delinquency for offenses that, if committed by an adult, would constitute unlawful possession of a firearm, possession of a firearm for an unlawful purpose, terroristic threats, possession of a firearm on school property, and possession of a ghost gun, authorities said.
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