WEST NEWBURY — Chief Michael Dwyer and Superintendent Justin Bartholomew report that the West Newbury Police Department and its public safety partners investigated after a shell casing was found on Pentucket Regional Middle High School grounds on Monday.
Update: Early Monday evening, a school family reported to the West Newbury Police Department that they had parked in the area where the shell casing was found and that the casing likely fell accidentally from their vehicle or pocket. An adult guardian and student reported that they had been target shooting at a local range recently, and that it was likely an errant shell casing ended up in the vehicle or in a pocket and likely fell out by accident. West Newbury Police do not expect to file charges in this matter.
Background: On Monday, Feb. 3, at approximately 1:30 p.m., a student reported that they had discovered a handgun-caliber shell casing in the parking lot near the football field. The school administration immediately reported the finding to the West Newbury Police Department, consistent with district policies and procedures.
The shell casing was found several hundred yards from the Pentucket Regional Middle High School building school and the incident did not impact school dismissal.
West Newbury Police were assisted by the Groveland and Merrimac Police Departments and specialized units attached to the Northeastern Metropolitan Law Enforcement Council (NEMLEC) K-9 Team. A search of the school campus and all buildings was also done, out of an abundance of caution, to ensure there was no ongoing risk to students and staff. The search turned up no additional items of concern.
“I am very grateful to our law enforcement mutual aid partners and school administrators for their teamwork today in ensuring public safety at all times,” Chief Dwyer said. “Thankfully, all indications are that the casing was dropped by accident and there is no threat or danger to the school community.”
