Crime, Regional Interest

Prosecutor: Authorities Investigating Bullet Projectile Unearthed Near School

Monmouth County authorities are investigating a Hazlet incident and asking for public input.

About the incident, from the Monmouth County Prosecutor’s Office …

Hazlet police this morning responded to Cove Road Elementary School after being notified by school officials regarding the recovery of a bullet projectile near the school building. Hazlet Police contacted the Monmouth County Prosecutor’s Office, members of which responded to assist.

Upon arrival to the school, at 8 Cove Road in Hazlet, it was learned that a school employee found the projectile while blowing leaves in the area. 

Police confirmed that the object is a bullet projectile; however, there were no calls regarding any shots fired in the area on this date. At this time, police believe that the recovery is likely connected to a call received by Township Police at 10:14 p.m. on Thursday, Oct. 7, 2021, wherein a 911 caller reported hearing shots fired in the area of a neighborhood behind the school.

Upon receiving the October call, Hazlet police responded. Upon arrival in the area, police were unable to locate any evidence of shots fired and/or any witnesses who had seen any evidence of a shooting incident. 

The Hazlet Police Department and the Monmouth County Prosecutor’s Office are continuing to investigate the incident. However, at this time, based upon the connection to the October shots-fired call, there does not appear to be any reason for concern to students or local residents, particularly considering the fact that that call came long after school hours had ended. 

School officials notified Hazlet Police and, in turn, the Monmouth County Prosecutor’s Office.

Police then began a joint investigation to ensure that students and local community members were safe and secure.

Hazlet Police Chief Ted A. Wittke, Acting Monmouth County Prosecutor Lori Linskey, and Superintendent Scott Ridley are jointly urging anyone with information regarding this incident to contact Hazlet Police Detective Nick Logothetis at 732-264-6565 and/or Detective Brian Hammarstrom of the Monmouth County Prosecutor’s Office Major Crimes Bureau at 800-533-7443.