NEWARK, DE — A chilling phone call to the Newark Police Department Communications Center on Thursday, January 4, 2023, claimed that a violent incident was imminent at Newark High School. The caller professed plans to enter the school and attack students and staff members — a threat that was swiftly responded to by law enforcement.
Newark Police School Resource Officers and Christina School District Constables, already stationed at the school, immediately reacted to the alarming call. Additional patrol officers from the Newark Police Department also rushed to the scene.
However, upon arrival, officers quickly ascertained that no acts of violence were occurring in or around the school. Further investigations led authorities to classify the incident as a hoax, often referred to as a “swatting” incident. This term is used to describe false reports intended to provoke a large-scale police response.
Despite the determined lack of threat to students, staff, or the school itself, Newark Police Officers remained on site to ensure a calm and secure dismissal at the end of the school day.
Detectives from the Criminal Investigations Unit have taken over the ongoing investigation into who may be responsible for this unsettling hoax. Detective W. Anderson is leading the inquiry and is seeking information from the public regarding the incident.
Detective W. Anderson can be contacted at (302) 366-7100 extension 3469 or wanderson@newark.de.us. Additional methods for providing information to Newark Police can be found on our tips page.
As always, it’s crucial to remember that any potential charges resulting from this investigation are currently only allegations. Any suspect is presumed innocent until proven guilty in a court of law. An arrest, a criminal complaint, or information does not amount to a declaration of guilt.
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