Joseph Solomon, Chief of Police
Quinn Public Safety Building
90 Hampshire St.
Methuen, MA 01844
For Immediate Release
Wednesday, Oct. 21, 2015
Contact: John Guilfoil
Phone: 617-993-0003
Email: john@jgpr.net
Methuen Police Arrest Juvenile Male After Threat is Made Against High School
METHUEN — Chief Joseph Solomon and the Methuen Police Department report they have arrested a juvenile male in connection to a threat made Monday against Methuen High School.
At approximately 5:30 p.m. on Monday Oct. 19, Methuen Police received a report that a 16-year-old male student at Methuen High School made a threat to another student saying he was going to “shoot up the school” the following day. Police responded to two residential locations that the suspect had access to, and a search was conducted at both locations.
Items related to the threats were recovered from one of the residences.
“Apparently, the suspect had been contemplating committing a violent act for some time,” Chief Solomon said.
The suspect was transported to a local hospital for treatment and mental evaluation.
Following an investigation and the release of the suspect from the hospital, the juvenile male was arrested and has been charged with:
- Threats concerning the location of dangerous items
- Threats to commit a crime (murder)
- Unlawful possession of ammunition without a FID card
The suspect was booked at the Methuen Police Department pending arraignment at Lawrence District Court.
“I commend the officers, detectives and members of the school staff for a quick response and handling this situation in a matter of hours after it unfolded,” Chief Solomon said. “I would also like to acknowledge the courage of the student who came forward to police and provided vital information that may have prevented a dangerous situation.”
The Methuen Police Department would like to state that it does not believe the school, faculty, staff, or students were in danger at any time and that there is currently no danger to the community.
These are allegations. All suspects are considered innocent until proven guilty.
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