By: Richard L. Smith
Police in Union Township and Newark are investigating two possible swatting incidents that led to school lockdowns earlier today.
At 1:11 p.m., Union Township police received a call through a crisis hotline, claiming an individual was suicidal and armed inside a bathroom at Union High School.
Authorities immediately notified school administration, placing the school on lockdown.
Officers conducted a thorough search of the building, but no individual in distress was found, and no incidents occurred.
The lockdown was lifted, and students were dismissed safely. Extra officers remained on site as a precaution.
Shortly after the Union High School incident, a similar call was received regarding Newark Science High School, prompting another lockdown.
Newark Police also conducted a search of the school, finding no evidence of any threat.
Officials suspect both incidents may be part of a recent rise in swatting pranks targeting schools and law enforcement.
Investigations into both cases are ongoing.