A report of a man shooting a gun near a school in Galloway Township yesterday prompted a major reaction from area law enforcement and school personnel.

After an arrest was made, Galloway Police Chief Donna Higbee issued a statement thanking all who provided the proper response.

Her statement was published on the police department's Facebook page:

I feel compelled to post this evening after an extremely dangerous incident that occurred near Pilgram Academy today. I want everyone to know that the school security and staff are to be commended for their quick thinking and quick response to shots being fired extremely close to the school building this afternoon and going into lockdown. Let me be very clear this was no hunting issue and certainly not anything remotely close to target shooting. To be dismissive of a serious incident and the subsequent reactions by those we trust with the safety of our children and family members is appalling and irresponsible. Our schools in Galloway Township are special gems amongst our community and our children are most precious. To all of the other schools that sheltered in place as a result of this incident to ensure it was isolated I thank you. You all did so expeditiously and in conformity with all of our constant training. I am very proud of my Officers and I am thankful for school administrators and staff that spring into action to protect children and supply responding law enforcement imperative information. To the Stockton University Police and to the many facets of the New Jersey State Police that assisted us in quickly apprehending the person responsible for today’s incident you have my gratitude and appreciation. To anyone who was unfortunately delayed for a brief moment in time so that we could do the best job we could and make sure everyone made it home today I appreciate your patience and support. We take our profession very seriously and we place the public’s safety above our own. To our amazing 9-1-1 communications officers and our ambulance squad, I thank you. Everyone involved did exactly what they were supposed to do today and thats a fact!

Sincerely, Chief Donna Higbee

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