The student was charged with a disorderly conduct complaint for an alleged threat directed to Monroe Twp. High School.
MONROE -- A creepy clown threat on Instagram directed toward Monroe Township High School as the work of a 12-year-old middle school student, Monroe police said Friday.
The 12-year-old male student was charged Thursday evening with with a disorderly conduct juvenile complaint, Monroe Lt. Jason Grosser said in a statement.
The police department said they were informed of an Instagram account Wednesday that had a post that day that warned clowns would be coming to the high school the next day, Grosso said.
Police started investigating and increased their presence at the schools the entire day Thursday. Investigators later connected the student to the Instagram account, and the specific post, Grosso said.
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The investigation found no credible threats against the township's schools.
Grosso's statement, though, said in light of the recent wave of creepy clown sightings and online threats, Monroe police treat such incidents seriously.
"Anyone found to be responsible for any actions which cause alarm to the public will be prosecuted. Although some may find the 'clown' aspect of the current trend to be funny, many don't, which may cause physical and or mental harm or serious injury," Grosso's statement said.
Police across New Jersey have reported clown-related incidents and threats in the past several weeks, and arrests and charges in connection with them.
Anyone with information for Monroe police can contact the detective bureau at 732-521-0222.
Kevin Shea may be reached at kshea@njadvancemedia.com. Follow him on Twitter@kevintshea. Find NJ.com on Facebook.