Threat at Indian Hill School in Holmdel investigated as possible swatting incident

HOLMDEL, N.J. (WABC) -- Indian Hill School in New Jersey is no longer in lockdown after a report of a possible threat at the school Tuesday.

Heavily armed officers responded to schools in Holmdel in Monmouth County after the threat, which is now being investigated as a possible case of swatting.

Before the all-clear was given, officers were on the roof of the building making sure everyone was safe. The lockdown was lifted around 11 a.m.

The Holmdel Police Department will remain in the school and on the school grounds to secure the building and ensure the safety of the students and staff.

According to the Holmdel Township Public Schools, no evacuation was necessary.

"We hope to return to normal as soon as possible and I will stay in touch. Please do not come to the schools during this time," the district said.

This appears to be the third time the Holmdel School District has been victimized by fake reports of a threat at area schools. Back on March 31, there was a swatting incident at the Village Elementary School, preceded by another on May 5 at the Satz School.

Police are not saying if these incidents are connected or if they have any suspects.

Authorities suspect the callers making these false reports are usually teens or those in their 20s, and they say they could be tied into online gambling.

On Monday, a legislative committee approved a bill to making the penalties stiffer for swatting. The bill would make swatting a second degree crime with jail time increased to a maximum of 10 years, with a fine of $150,000.