Student arrested for alleged threat to 'shoot up' South Jersey school

A South Jersey high school student has been arrested after multiple students allegedly heard him say he was going to "shoot up" their Voorhees school, the Camden County Prosecutor's Office said in a news release Friday.

Jacob Finkelstein, 18, of Voorhees, allegedly made the false threats during school hours at Eastern Regional High School and was arrested Thursday. The Voorhees Police Department could not confirm when the threats were initially made.

He was charged with one count of second-degree false public alarm and one count of third-degree terroristic threats. No weapons were found in Finkelstein's home, according to the Voorhees police. Finkelstein's court appearance is pending.

The school's principal, Robert M. Tull, Jr., issued a letter to parents and guardians Friday addressing the school shooting Wednesday in Parkland, Fla., that left 17 students and faculty members dead. Tull outlined Eastern Regional's safety protocols as well as resources for students who may be experiencing anxiety. That letter did not mention the arrest of Finkelstein and his alleged threat against the high school.

"We will be vigilant in regards to securing doors, screening visitors, and practicing our security drills," Tull said in the letter. "We want our students to be diligent while feeling safe. We encourage students and parents to report concerns regarding social media posts or other sources, and to seek support when feeling unsettled."

A school in Philadelphia's West Oak Lane section underwent an hours-long search Friday after its principal reported seeing a student with a gun to police.

Shortly before 9 a.m. Friday, Wagner Middle School went on lockdown, which was lifted around 12:30 p.m. Philadelphia police later recovered a BB gun, according to Lee Whack, a spokesman for the School District.

Parents of students at the school also received a letter addressing the mass shooting at Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School in South Florida.

"Safety is always our top priority in the School District of Philadelphia," Whack said in a statement to the Inquirer and Daily News. "Especially given the recent tragedy in Florida, it is important for adults and children to say something if they see something. We encourage families to speak with their children about the serious consequences of bringing any type of weapon to school. It is important that children know if they need help or have concern regarding safety that they should reach out to school staff or school police immediately."