Bomb threat results in arrest of SRHS students

West Long Branch

WEST LONG BRANCH - Two Oceanport youths are facing charges for a bomb threat at Shore Regional High School last week that resulted in an evacuation of the building.

On Jan. 12, West Long Branch police arrested two 16-year-old students in connection with a bomb threat that was discovered just days earlier written on a girl's bathroom stall at the school, according to West Long Branch Police Capt. Lawrence L. Mihlon.

The two students are being charged with false public alarm, terroristic threats and criminal mischief, according to Mihlon.

According to police reports, borough police were called to the school on Jan. 10 at 8 a.m. to investigate graffiti in the girl's bathroom.

Further investigation at the scene by Patrolman Nicholas Ferrugiaro and Sgt. James Gomez led to the discovery of other writing that indicated that a bomb incident would occur at the school that morning, according to police.

Shore Regional was evacuated and bomb-detecting dogs from the Monmouth and Ocean County sheriffs' departments were brought to the scene.

In addition, West Long Branch police worked with Brick Township police and with the county Office of Emergency Management.

After a thorough check, the high school was cleared by the K-9 officers and students were permitted to re-enter the school that day, according to reports.

The two accused students were remanded to the custody of the Monmouth County Youth Detention Center in Freehold pending a retention hearing that was to be heard Saturday.

- Christine Varno