Woodbridge High School Student’s Text Threat Leads to Gun Arrest

A 17-year-old Woodbridge High School student was arrested Tuesday morning after administrators discovered a loaded gun in his possession, following a threatening text message he allegedly sent to a classmate. The incident, which was quickly resolved without injury, has highlighted the importance of students reporting concerning behavior to school officials.

According to the Middlesex County Prosecutor’s Office, the situation began when another student received threatening messages Monday evening and reported them to school administrators at 8:07 a.m. Tuesday. The swift response led to a search of the suspect’s belongings, during which the loaded firearm was discovered, MyCentralJersey.com reported.

Multiple Serious Charges Filed

The juvenile has been charged with multiple serious offenses under juvenile delinquency statutes, which would constitute significant felonies if committed by an adult. These charges include unlawful possession of a firearm, possession of a firearm for an unlawful purpose, terroristic threats, possession of a firearm on school property, and possession of a ghost gun.

Ghost guns, which are firearms without serial numbers that can be assembled from kits or 3D-printed components, have become an increasing concern for law enforcement across New Jersey. These untraceable weapons bypass traditional gun regulations and background checks, making them particularly problematic when found in school settings.

Following his arrest, the student was transported to the Middlesex County Juvenile Detention Center where he awaits a preliminary hearing before a Family Court Judge. Because the suspect is a minor, authorities have not released his name.

Swift Response Praised

School officials credited the quick resolution of the situation to students who promptly communicated concerns to administrators. In a notice sent to parents and guardians, Superintendent of Schools Joseph Massimino and Principal Scott Osborne emphasized how following established security protocols prevented a potentially dangerous situation.

“The situation was resolved safely and efficiently as a result of students communicating information directly with the school,” the letter stated, according to NJ.com. “The school administration followed our security procedures and worked in cooperation with our internal security personnel and the Woodbridge Police Department to ensure all students were safe.”

The officials added, “This matter highlights the importance of the need for community members to report all safety concerns to school officials during the school day or police officials outside of school hours. We encourage all parents and guardians to discuss with their children the importance of sharing concerning information with the proper authorities in a timely manner.”

Increased Focus on School Safety

The incident comes amid heightened national concerns about school safety and gun violence. Woodbridge High School, which serves approximately 1,560 students in grades 9-12, is one of three public high schools in Woodbridge Township, a community of about 100,000 residents in central New Jersey.

Local education and safety experts note that the incident highlights both the challenges schools face and the effectiveness of “see something, say something” approaches that encourage students to report concerning behavior.

“This case demonstrates exactly how the system should work,” said Dr. Marian Kingston, a school safety consultant who works with districts throughout New Jersey. “A student recognized a potential threat, reported it immediately, and administrators had protocols in place to address it before anyone was harmed. Despite the alarming nature of finding a weapon in school, this represents a success story in threat assessment and response.”

Parental Response

Parents of Woodbridge High School students expressed relief at the prompt handling of the situation but also concern about how a loaded firearm made it onto school grounds.

“It’s terrifying to think about what could have happened,” said Rebecca Tomlinson, whose daughter is a sophomore at the school. “I’m grateful to the student who spoke up and to the school for acting quickly, but it’s still shocking that we have to worry about guns in our children’s schools.”

The Woodbridge Township School District has not announced any immediate changes to security procedures following the incident but reminded parents of existing measures, including school resource officers, security cameras, and visitor management systems already in place.

Investigation Continues

According to the Prosecutor’s Office, the investigation remains active. Authorities have not revealed details about the nature of the threatening messages or the student’s intentions regarding the firearm.

Officials are asking anyone with additional information to contact Detective Brian Vella of the Woodbridge Police Department at 732-602-7317. School officials have indicated they are prohibited from sharing further details while the police investigation is ongoing.

The incident serves as a reminder of the critical role that students, parents, and staff play in maintaining school safety through communication and vigilance. As one school board member noted, “This situation could have ended very differently if not for a student who had the courage to speak up.”