METHUEN — Chief Scott McNamara reports that the Methuen Police Department has identified three suspects and charged two local juveniles in connection with multiple threats made against the Methuen Public Schools community over the weekend.
On Saturday, Sept. 7, Methuen Police were notified law enforcement partners about a bomb threat made on social media, against the Timony School. Officers immediately notified Methuen Public Schools officials and began an investigation into the threat. Investigators soon determined that the social media account used in the threat belonged to be a juvenile, a Timony School student. This was a nonspecific threat that was determined to be uncredible and that the student had neither the means nor opportunity to carry out such a threat. This matter remains under investigation but has tentatively referred the matter to the Methuen Public Schools for appropriate disciplinary action.
On Sunday, Sept. 8 at 8:30 p.m. Methuen Police were notified by Methuen Public Schools of a second, more specific bomb threat was made on social media, against Methuen High School. Students and parents reported the posted threat to Methuen Public Schools.
Police initiated an investigation and were quickly able to identify two suspects. One juvenile, a 14-YEAR-OLD Methuen High School student was arrested on Sunday at their home by Methuen Police. They charged with:
- Threatened Use of Explosives, Causing Disruption of a School (Mass. Gen Laws ch. 269 § Section 14)
That juvenile is being held on $10,000 cash bail and is expected to be arraigned at Essex County Juvenile Court, Lawrence Session.
The second suspect, also identified as a 14-YEAR-OLD Methuen High School student, will be summonsed to Essex County Juvenile Court, Lawrence Session at a later date and was also charged with Threatened Use of Explosives, Causing Disruption of a School (Mass. Gen Laws ch. 269 § Section 14).
The Methuen Police Department wishes to acknowledge mutual aid partners for their expertise and assistance in both cases.
While both threats were determined not to be credible, following its policies and procedures, and out of an abundance of caution, Methuen Police conducted a thorough sweep of Methuen High School with the assistance of the Methuen Fire Department, police units and K-9 teams attached to the Northeastern Massachusetts Law Enforcement Council (NEMLEC).
The Police Department and the Methuen Public Schools continue to work together on this matter.
Extra patrols were stationed at Methuen Public Schools on Monday as a precaution. Patrols will remain in place throughout the day.
“I want to reiterate the severity of threats such as these. The disruption that these threats cause brings unwarranted fear and anxiety to those across the community. Our department is committed to the safety and well-being of all students and community members and we are working diligently to thoroughly investigate the threats made over the weekend at the highest level,” said Chief McNamara. “Those found responsible will face significant legal consequences. While these threats were not deemed credible, it does not lessen the serious impact they have had across our community. Our priority is and will remain, the safety of our community.”
Both incidents remain under investigation, and additional charges may be added.
Methuen Police also acknowledges the community members who reported the threat to the schools and police and want to emphasize the importance of reporting suspicious activity and behavior online.
Both threats came less than a week after the horrific mass shooting that took place in Georgia, which resulted in four deaths. Threats of violence will not be tolerated in Methuen. All threats are taken extremely seriously and thoroughly investigated, with those responsible facing the consequences of their actions, both under the law and under school codes of conduct.
