On October 6th 2016, the Absecon Police Department was contacted in reference to a post found on the social media site Instagram. The post depicted a picture of the Emma C. Attales middle school. The account profile picture featured a “scary clown”, as seen in similar cases throughout Atlantic County and the nation over the past few weeks.
Although the post did not relay a direct threat to the school or students, other posts on the account were perceived as threatening. The Absecon Police Department takes all threats, perceived or direct, seriously and will fully investigate them.
The post and account are currently under investigation by the Absecon Police Department and Atlantic County Prosecutor’s Office.
Members of the Absecon Police Department remained at the school complex for a majority of the school day for precautionary reasons.
At this time, there are no direct threats against the school. Police will continue to show an increased presence at the schools, both Attales and Marsh, until the case can be investigated to completion.
The Absecon Police Department requests that parents speak with their children about being responsible on social media and internet safety. Anyone with information on the post or account is asked to contact the Absecon Police Detective Bureau at 609-641-0667 x 225.
