Staff member on leave accused of making online threats to Montclair School District

MONTCLAIR, New Jersey (WABC) -- A staff member on administrative leave was arrested after allegedly making online threats to the Montclair School District, prompting schools to close Monday.

Amir Doctry, 45, was arrested at a home in Philadelphia on Monday morning.

The Montclair Police Department received information about a potential threat to staff members and students on Sunday.

Officials say the preliminary investigation revealed the threat was made online via social media and was directed at a specific staff member at the Northeast Elementary School.

Police worked with the board of education and the FBI throughout the night to find the source of the threat.

As a precautionary measure, the Montclair Board of Education decided to close all schools Monday. Police have also increased patrols around all schools in the district out of an abundance of caution.

Doctry was taken into custody without incident and is facing charges of terroristic threats. Additional charges are pending.

Officials say there is currently no immediate threat to the safety of the schools.

"I want to inform you that, through the diligent efforts and collaboration with the Montclair Police Department, the threat we were addressing has been neutralized," said interim Montclair Superintendent Damen Cooper. "I understand that this situation may have caused anxiety and disruption for our entire school community. Please know that every step taken was guided by our unwavering commitment to the safety and well-being of our students, staff, and families. Your safety remains my highest priority."

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