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Threat At 'New Milford' School In Other State Had Bergen Officials Wary

NEW MILFORD, N.J. -- Initial fear was quickly addressed after authorities discovered that a Snapchat threat to "shoot up" schools in New Milford and Dover referred to towns of the same name in Connecticut and New York.

NMHS

NMHS

Photo Credit: COURTESY: New Milford School District

"Earlier tonight we were alerted to a message posted on snap chat claiming that someone is planning to shoot up Dover and New Milford high schools," New Milford Schools Supt. Michael Polizzi wrote in a message to parents and staff Wednesday night.

"Please note that after investigating this further, the reference is to Dover and New Milford, Connecticut, not New Jersey," he said.

"As an additional security precaution, however, Chief [Frank] Ramaci has assigned police officers to all four campuses for tomorrow, Thursday, February 22," Polizzi wrote.

"I apologize for the late call, but we wanted to give authorities the greatest chance to do their work before needlessly alarming parents and closing the district," he added. "Good night. Sleep well."

As it turned out, a perceived threat -- which turned out to be unfounded -- involved the Dover Union Free School District in Dutchess County, NY. 

"I heard they are suppose to shoot up both Dover and New Milford High School tomorrow at 12," the Wednesday night post on Snapchat said.

A joint investigation with the Dutchess County Sheriff's Office determined it was posted by a 16-year-old Dover High School student who they said had no malicious intent.

Schools in that town were evacuated for two hours on Wednesday and closed Thursday.

Meanwhile, a threat was found written on a bathroom wall at New Milford High School in Connecticut yesterday morning. Police there, too, said it was unfounded.

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