Several Montclair police vehicles block off a section of Bloomfield Avenue following the search for an active shooter on Thursday, Dec. 24, 2020. The report of the shooter proved to be false.
ANDREW GARDA/STAFF

BY ANDREW GARDA
garda@montclairlocal.news

Traffic and last-minute Christmas shopping along Bloomfield Avenue was disrupted as the Montclair Police Department shut down the street and locked down businesses on Christmas Eve, Dec. 24.

Despite earlier reports of a potential suspect with a firearm, there was no danger: According to a release from the MPD, the report of an active shooter was a mistake.

Police responded to 425 Bloomfield Ave. at noon after receiving a call that an active shooter was in the building, which has vacant retail space as well as residential units and is located in the middle of the central business district. Police told shoppers, residents and business owners to stay indoors, and closed down the street.

“A rapid deployment team was established and they immediately made entry into the building. The building was thoroughly searched and at 12:09 hours the scene was declared ‘all clear,'” according to police.

Two Montclair police officers take cover behind a car, one holding a riot shield, as the MPD searches for a gunman. The report of a suspect with a weapon proved to be incorrect.
PHOTO COURTESY JOANN SMALLS

The caller was identified, and after investigation, it was determined that the report of an active shooter was unfounded. No arrests were made.

During the search, residents and business owners were asked to stay inside, according to resident Joann Smalls.

The street was reopened to traffic around 1 p.m.