WEST LONG BRANCH - The shelter-in-place order at Monmouth University was lifted this morning, after an investigation into an email threat about a destructive device and an armed suspect hiding on campus proved unfounded, authorities said.
The university activated a shelter-in-place order early Tuesday after students and faculty reported to university police shortly after midnight that they received an email from someone claiming to be armed and hiding on campus, where a dangerous device had also been placed, according to a statement issued by the Monmouth County Prosecutor's Office.
The Monmouth County Emergency Response Team was activated, with members of the prosecutor's office, Monmouth County Rapid Deployment Force, Monmouth County Sheriff's Office and police from Asbury Park, Deal, Long Branch, Manasquan, Marlboro, Ocean Township and West Long Branch responding to the campus to conduct a search of university buildings, according to the prosecutor's statement.
The preliminary investigation revealed no indication of validity to either claim outlined in the email, the statement said.
The shelter-in-place order was lifted shortly after 8:30 a.m., when law-enforcement officers cleared the scene. The campus and surrounding residential area was quiet around 10:30 a.m.
An investigation into the source of the email is continuing. Anyone with information is asked to contact prosecutor's Detective Daniel Chernavsky at 800-533-7443 or Monmouth University police Detective Tracy Carretta at 732-571-4444.
The school had a delayed opening at 10 a.m., with classes starting after 11 a.m., according to the university's website. website.
"All clear,'' the university posted on its website at 9:10 a.m. "Our investigation has been concluded, and there is no threat to campus. The shelter-in-place has been lifted.''
The university's website alerted the public shortly after 1:30 a.m. that the school was on lockdown, due to an "active investigation.''
"There is an emergency at Monmouth University,'' the school posted on its website at 1:32 a.m. " A lockdown is in effect. This is not a drill. Please close and lock all doors and await further instructions."
The university gave several updates following the initial alert, telling students to continue sheltering in place and advising that certain areas on campus were being checked.
As of 7:19 a.m., the university was continuing its investigation as plans were in put in place for a delayed opening, the school’s website said.
The university also posted an update on social media , answering one poster's question by saying "There is an active investigation. Updates will follow as available."
This is a breaking news story, stay with APP.com for updates.
This article originally appeared on Asbury Park Press: Monmouth University lockdown lifted after probe reveals no armed suspect on campus
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