WEST DEPTFORD—A bomb threat prompted a 90-minute lockdown at West Deptford High School on March 13, 2026, triggering a sweeping law enforcement response before officials determined no credible danger existed. The incident prompted district-wide security measures despite concerns being limited to the high school campus. Police have opened a criminal investigation.

Multi-Agency Response Sweeps Campus

The security protocol was activated on Friday morning, after school officials received the threat. Students and staff sheltered inside the Crown Point Road facility for more than 90 minutes as law enforcement conducted systematic sweeps.

Assistant Principal Kelly A. Saia notified the community that the hold was initiated per state mandate "in these scenarios." The district extended precautions to all schools "out of an abundance of caution," though officials emphasized the concern was limited to the high school.

Multiple agencies converged on the Gloucester County campus. The West Deptford Police Department led the response. New Jersey State Police and Gloucester County Sheriff's Office K9 Units assisted with the operation.

Police dogs searched athletic fields, parking lots, and areas referenced in the alleged threat. A CBS Philadelphia news helicopter observed the scene from overhead.

District Condemns Threats as 'Serious Disruptions'

The sweep concluded without incident. "At this time, no credible threat has been identified," the West Deptford Police Department stated. Police patrols continued checking all district campuses throughout the day.

Superintendent Brian Gismondi addressed parents regarding the incident. "We want to clarify that the concern was limited to the high school only; however, we extended the hold to all schools out of an abundance of caution," Gismondi wrote.

The superintendent warned that the district takes any threats seriously: "We want to send a clear message to our community: we do not view these incidents as 'pranks.'" He emphasized that such events constitute "serious disruptions that impact the well-being of our students and drain local resources."

Investigation Active as Normal Operations Resume

West Deptford Police have launched a criminal investigation into the threat's origin. "A criminal investigation is actively underway, and our department will work swiftly and efficiently to determine the source of the threat and hold any responsible individuals accountable," police officials stated. Authorities have requested that anyone with information contact the department.

State mandates require immediate security protocols when bomb threats are reported. The district's response reflects heightened sensitivity to school safety following nationwide incidents.

School districts across New Jersey have faced similar threats this academic year. In addition to the cost to schools, the financial costs of emergency responses to false threats strain local police budgets. West Deptford officials emphasized that resources diverted to investigate false threats could not address other community needs.

The investigation remains active. New Jersey law treats school bomb threats as aggravated offenses due to the disruption to educational operations.

The school community resumed normal activities Friday afternoon. After-school programs and evening events proceeded as scheduled. Law enforcement maintained presence throughout the district as students departed.

Sources

• CBS Philadelphia, "Bomb threat prompts lockdown at West Deptford High School," March 13, 2026.

• Courier-Post, "Bomb threat prompts lockdown at West Deptford High School," March 13, 2026.

• USA Today, "Bomb threat prompts lockdown at West Deptford High School," March 13, 2026.