Mayor James J. Fiorentini is renewing his commitment to student safety after a 16-year-old Haverhill High teen allegedly brought a gun to the summer school session on Monday.
As WHAV previously reported, the juvenile was apprehended and arrested by Haverhill Police on July 29 after a school security guard eyed him with the weapon and he ran from campus.
School department spokesman Shawn Regan told WHAV the campus—which held hundreds of students attending a variety of programs at the time—was swept by State Police out of an abundance of caution before it was declared safe. They were aided in the effort by Methuen’s Officer Michael Havey Jr. and K-9 Rumi and Officer Tim Getchell and K-9 Buddy.
In a social media post late Monday, Fiorentini said the search for the weapon resumes Tuesday.
“If this was a firearm, it is obviously completely unacceptable that anyone was able to bring a firearm into a school. This can never be allowed to happen,” Fiorentini said. “Your safety is our top concern. Once the superintendent and I have all the facts, we will work together to see if there are other measures that can be and should be taken.”
There is no danger to the Haverhill community at this time, Fiorentini said.
The teenager arrested is expected to be arraigned in Lawrence Juvenile Court.
Residents with information about the incident are asked to call Haverhill Police at 978-373-1212. Anonymous tips are accepted.