MONTVALE, N.J.—Officers responded to a medical practice at 221 W. Grand Ave. on the afternoon of Thursday, Dec. 5 for a report of threats made against it in Westwood by a now former patient.
On Nov. 22 while receiving related treatment in Westwood, the patient allegedly told the nurse that the next time he comes for treatment he is going to bring a gun and shoot everyone.
According to the Montvale police report, Westwood police were called on that date, took the report, and contacted the Bergen County Prosecutor’s Office regarding duty to warn.
Police in Pennsylvania, where the patient resides, were contacted and confirmed that the subject has several handguns and rifles, along with a carry permit. Pennsylvania does not follow New Jersey’s duty to warn policies and procedures regarding seizing firearms.
The nurse wanted Montvale police to be aware of the incident and threats made in Westwood, because their office had to send paperwork to inform the patient that they were discharging him from their care. The practice anticipated that was likely to escalate the situation.
A detective from the Bergen County Prosecutor’s Office, who is handling the case from Westwood, was advised.