For Immediate Release

Sunday, Dec. 8, 2019

Media Contact: Kelsey Bode
Phone: 617-993-0003
Email: [email protected]

Newburyport Police Investigating Alleged “Swatting” Incident

NEWBURYPORT — City Marshal Mark Murray reports that the Newburyport Police Department responded to a report of a shooting and a pipe bomb threat that was determined to be a hoax and an attempt to elicit a large police response today.

At 6:12 p.m., Newburyport Police responded to Longfellow Drive following a call to the department’s non-emergency number from a man claiming he had shot someone in a residence on that street and had pipe bombs in his possession as well. 

Upon arrival, an initial investigation revealed to police that a family of four was inside the residence, and police were able to enter the home and confirm that it was secure and that no one was injured. Newburyport Police did not have to force entry into the home, and no one was hurt during this incident. 

Police were assisted on scene by the Newburyport Fire Department, Amesbury Police, Salisbury Police, Newbury Police and Massachusetts State Police.

Longfellow Drive was temporarily closed to traffic during this incident, and police had cleared the scene by 6:59 p.m.

“I’d like to thank the agencies who responded to assist us today, and the swift response and investigation by our officers,” City Marshal Murray said. “Fortunately, no one was hurt in this incident.”

This incident remains under investigation by the Newburyport Police Department.

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