MONTCLAIR, N.J. (1010 WINS) – A school staffer on administrative leave was arrested Monday for the threat that closed all public schools in Montclair, New Jersey.
Amir Doctry, 45, was arrested without incident around 8 a.m. at a home in Philadelphia and charged with terroristic threats, with additional charges pending, Montclair police said.
According to police, the threat was made via social media and directed at a specific staff member at Northeast Elementary School on Grove Street.
Police worked through the night with the FBI and the Essex County Prosecutor’s Office to identify the source of the threat, which led them to Doctry.
Schools were closed and patrols increased at school buildings out of an abundance of caution, according to police.
“We would like to reassure the public that there is no further danger to our community,” police said.
Earlier in the morning, interim superintendent Damen Cooper said the district was made aware of the threat Sunday night and that all schools would be closed Monday “due to a security concern.” He later said the threat had been “neutralized.”
“I understand that this situation may have caused anxiety and disruption for our entire school community,” Cooper said. “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.”
Essex County prosecutors also confirmed they were actively investigating the “unspecified threat which led to the decision to close schools.”
“Currently there is no immediate threat to the safety of the schools," the prosecutor’s office said.
The school district includes 11 schools — seven elementary schools, three middle schools and one high school — which remained closed Monday.
