A 15-year-old Pentucket Regional High School sophomore is expected to be arraigned today on a charge of threatening to commit a violent act at the school.
The West Newbury boy was arrested on the felony charge after new social media posts were reported last night by students and school families in Merrimac and West Newbury. He was charged with threat of dangerous items to disrupt a school, public building, or transport. Police had earlier responded to reports of online threats, but found them “unsubstantiated.”
“Our community is our eyes and ears, and this case exemplifies the principle of ‘if you see something, say something,’” said West Newbury Police Chief Jeffrey Durand. “In this situation, members of our community were not willing to tolerate threats against their high school, and they came forward to police.”
West Newbury and Merrimac police departments worked together throughout the night with the assistance of the Essex District Attorney’s Office. The school district has taken its own action against the suspect, consistent with its code of student conduct, according to a statement.
No weapons were found during the arrest of the suspect. Police do not believe there is any active danger to the school community, but will have an increased police presence at the high school today.
Besides West Newbury and Merrimac, the school district serves Groveland.
Anyone with information is asked to contact the West Newbury Police Department at 978-363-1212. Families with with questions or concerns may contact the police department or Superintendent Justin Bartholomew’s office at 978-363-2280.