Questions remain about police activity in Dennis Township, New Jersey; police say there's no threat to the community

DENNIS TOWNSHIP, N.J. (CBS) — A shelter-in-place order has been lifted in Dennis Township after families were told to keep their children inside as New Jersey State Police searched the area Tuesday morning. 

Police say there is no longer a threat to the public but did not say what sparked the search. 

The Dennis Township School District canceled classes Tuesday because of the possible danger. The district superintendent later said in a letter to the community that there were reports of "armed individuals" at large in the township.

CBS News Philadelphia has reached out to New Jersey State Police multiple times, but all officials will say is this is an ongoing investigation.    

Residents in South Seaville, Clermont and other sections of Dennis Township in Cape May County were told to keep their children inside as New Jersey State Police searched the area with a helicopter and K-9 unit.

A post on the township's Facebook page said "There are no active threats in any area of Dennis Township."

Some residents said they just wanted to know what happened. 

"I think everybody is just confused and a little lost. I mean they're not telling the parents anything ... Nobody really knows what's going on out here, we just want some answers, a little update or something," Jack Knieriem said.

Chopper 3 showed a large law enforcement presence along Kings Highway, a local road not far from Route 9.

Residents in nearby areas including Middle Township were told to remain vigilant but are not in danger, Middle Township police said.

In:
• New Jersey
• Cape May County
• New Jersey State Police
• South Jersey