February 17, 2026 - False Reports of a Shooting at the Mall

Press Release

 The Bridgewater Police Department has been made aware of an online post circulating on social media referencing a reported shooting incident at the local mall. This information is false. There was no shooting, and no such incident occurred in Bridgewater, New Jersey.

The inaccurate report appears to have originated from a police radio transmission related to a scheduled training exercise. As part of realistic scenario-based training, officers utilized real-world locations during the exercise to enhance preparedness and response capabilities. The content of that exercise was misinterpreted and shared online as an actual event.

The public is assured that there is no threat to the community. We encourage residents to rely on official department communications for accurate information and to avoid sharing unverified reports. Anyone with questions is encouraged to contact the Bridgewater Police Department directly.

John B. Mitzak
Chief of Police