METHUEN — Chief Scott McNamara reports that the Methuen Police Department responded to a threat made against the Donald P. Timony Grammar School yesterday, which was deemed to be not credible.
On Saturday, Sept. 7, Methuen Police were notified by the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) Boston Field Office 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.
Through a search warrant of the social media account, officers determined that the account belonged to be a juvenile, Timony School student. Officers quickly determined that the threat was not credible. A threat that is not deemed credible indicates that there is no and was no apparent danger to the community at large and that it was determined that the student does not possess the means or the opportunity to carry out such a threat.
Following policies and procedures, and out of an abundance of caution, Methuen Police conducted a thorough sweep of the school with the assistance of the Methuen Fire Department, Northeastern Massachusetts Law Enforcement Council (NEMLEC) and explosive detection K-9 teams from North Andover, Belmont, Watertown and Amesbury.
At this time Methuen Police believe that this was an isolated incident and that there is no danger to other schools in the district.
Officers also conducted a search of the individual’s home and did not find anything suspicious or cause for alarm.
Methuen Police and Methuen Police School Resource Officers are working with Methuen Public Schools throughout the investigation.
There will be extra patrols at all schools on Monday as a precaution.
As this is an ongoing investigation no charges have been filed at this time.
“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,” said Chief McNamara.
The incident remains under investigation by the Methuen Police Department.
