Two incidents that occurred simultaneously on June 21 caused a lockdown at the Navy Lakehurst portion of Joint Base McGuire-Dix-Lakehurst. The sprawling U.S. military base borders areas of Jackson and Plumsted.
“At approximately 9:30 a.m. we had two incidents occur,” said Joint Base public affairs chief Angel Lopez. “Since the incidents occurred at exactly the same time, a call was made to close the Lakehurst gates and to lock down Lakehurst as a precaution.”
The 87th Security Forces Squadron responded to both situations.
Lopez said there were reports of shots being fired in the vicinity of what officials refer to as the base’s commercial gate.
“There was no truth to that report,” she said. “That was just a rumor.”
A second incident occurred at the main gate. Lopez said a delivery vehicle came up to the gate and the driver, who she did not identify, was asked if he had any weapons in his vehicle. The driver told security that he did have a weapon in the vehicle, she explained.
Security personnel cited the driver for attempting to bring a weapon onto the installation. He was later released.
Lopez said it was subsequently determined the driver had the weapon in his vehicle for his own protection in the course of making deliveries.
“He was not trying to get the weapon onto the installation,” she said. “It was in his vehicle as a precaution for him.”
The Lakehurst gates were reopened at about 11 a.m. and security forces were still investigating why there was a report that shots had been fired, which, according to Lopez, was unsubstantiated.
After further investigation it was determined the two incidents were not related. However, an investigation regarding the two events will continue.
Lopez said the Joint Base security forces responded in a quick and timely manner and said base security ensured that the incident was contained and that no personnel were in danger at any time. No injuries were reported.
Lopez also said there was a response by civilian authorities.
“Due to the quick actions and response from our security personnel, security procedures were not breached during either incident,” said Col. Gina Grosso, the commander of Joint Base McGuire-Dix-Lakehurst. “All actions taken throughout this time were precautionary in nature to ensure the security and safety of the Joint Base.”
— Dave Benjamin