Police Department Press Release: Threat Made to Montclair Schools

Published on January 13, 2025

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Montclair Police Department Press Release

Montclair, NJ (January 13, 2025) -  The Montclair Police Department is aware of and actively investigating reported threats made to the Montclair School District.

On January 12, 2025, the Montclair Police Department received information regarding a potential threat to the safety of staff members and students in the Montclair School District. Preliminary investigation revealed the threat was made online via social media and was directed at a specific staff member at the Northeast Elementary School (603 Grove Street, Montclair). The Montclair Police Department immediately initiated an investigation into the matter. The MPD, in collaboration with the Montclair Board of Education, The Essex County Prosecutors Office, and the FBI, worked throughout the night to identify the source of the threat. As a precautionary measure, The Montclair Board of Education made the decision to close all schools in the Montclair School District today, Monday January 13, 2025. The Montclair Police have increased patrols around all schools in the district out of an abundance of caution.

As a result of the investigation, the suspect was identified as 45-year-old Amir Doctry, a staff member currently on Administrative Leave from the District. At approximately 8:00 AM on January 13, 2025, Doctry was located at a residence in Philadelphia, PA. He was placed into custody without incident. At this time, Doctry is being charged with Terroristic Threats with additional charges pending.

We would like to reassure the public that there is no further danger to our community. Our commitment to the safety of our schools, students, staff, and residents remains unwavering. We encourage parents, students, and staff to remain vigilant and report suspicious activity to the Montclair Police Department.

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This is all the information being released at this time, however, any questions may be directed to Lieutenant Terence Turner, at tturner@montclairnjusa.org