A bomb threat, allegedly made on social media Saturday by a grammar school student, against Methuen’s Donald P. Timony Grammar School was quickly ruled “not credible.”
Methuen Police Chief Scott J. McNamara reported Sunday that Methuen Police Department learned of the threat from the Federal Bureau of Investigation Boston Field Office. Officers immediately notified Methuen Public Schools officials and began an investigation into the threat.
McNamara said “Threats made online, whether intended as a joke or a serious act, are not only alarming but are taken extremely seriously by law enforcement. Any threat directed at schools, students, staff or the public will be thoroughly investigated, and those responsible will face significant legal consequences. Beyond that, these threats cause undue fear and anxiety, disrupt education and drain valuable law enforcement resources. Schools are meant to be safe spaces for learning, we will continue to do everything in our power to protect our children and our community.”
There will be extra patrols at all schools on Monday as a precaution.
Through a search warrant of the student’s social media account, officers concluded the threat was not credible. Officers also conducted a search of the student’s home and did not find anything suspicious or cause for alarm. Police and school resource officers continue working with Methuen Public Schools during the investigation. Police explain a threat not deemed credible means there is no, and was no, apparent danger to the community and it was determined the student does not possess the means or the opportunity to carry out such a threat.
No charges were immediately filed.
Following policies and procedures, and “out of an abundance of caution,” police said they conducted a thorough sweep of the school with the assistance of the Methuen Fire Department, Northeastern Massachusetts Law Enforcement Council and explosive detection K-9 teams from North Andover, Belmont, Watertown and Amesbury. Police believe it was an isolated incident and that there is no danger to other schools in the district.
The incident remains under investigation.