Prosecutor: Clifton Students' Plot To Attack High School Unrealistic, 'Bomb' Was Salad Dressing, Cinnamon Sticks
CLIFTON, N.J. (CBSNewYork) -- Authorities said an alleged plot by a group of Clifton elementary school students to attack a high school was "immature and unrealistic" and was done in response to a "perceived bullying incident" involving someone one of the students knew at the high school.
The 10- and 11-year-old students from Clifton School 11 filled an empty mini Altoids tin with vegetable oil, salad dressing and cinnamon sticks, Passaic County Prosecutor Camelia Valdes said Friday.
Valdes said the device was not flammable or dangerous and said none of the students had any type of lighting device.
The incident happened Wednesday.
According to authorities, teachers and administrative leaders found suspicious letters from the students claiming they were going to "attack" Clifton High School during a field trip. School officials then notified the Clifton Police Department.
While investigating the alleged threat, police said they found the device.
Authorities said Friday that at no time were the students of either school in danger and said none of the kids were arrested, taken into custody or charged.
As part of an agreement with Clifton police, the students will be required to undergo mandatory counseling. They will also have to undergo a psychiatric evaluation before they are allowed to return to school, officials said.
If they don't follow the requirements of the agreement, officials said they could face charges.