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Leonia High School lockdown lifted, students dismissed after bullet prompts search

UPDATE: A lockdown at Leonia High School prompted by a student’s discovery of a bullet was lifted, and the youngsters were dismissed, after bomb-sniffing Bergen County Police Department dogs searched the building and found no additional causes for concern.

Photo Credit: Cliffview Pilot File Photo

“The students were in their classrooms away from the doors and windows,” one parent told CLIFFVIEW PILOT just before 2 p.m., minutes after Leonia Police Chief Thomas Rowe alerted residents in an online group post. “Then they were escorted to the gym.”

The BCPD K9s units arrived soon after, said the parent, whose daughter was providing updates.

Police then began going through the building, she said.

Nearly two hours later, the youngsters were returned to their classrooms for dismissal, another parent said.

Just before 4:30 p.m., Schools Supt. Joanne Megargee issued this message to parents:

“At approximately 1:30 today a student found a bullet in the lower level of the Leonia High School. In discussion with administration, with the chief of police and his staff, it was determined to place the high school in lockdown.

“Students were relocated to the gymnasium while the Bergen County police canines and Leonia police searched the building.

“No weapons or additional bullets were located. At approximately 3:45 pm students and staff were returned to their classrooms for dismissal.”

Where the bullet came from hadn’t been determined as of this afternoon, authorities said.

 

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