May 30, 2018

Great Barrington Police Determine That There is No Threat to High School Following Investigation Into Social Media Post

Jordan Mayblum ⋅ City/Town News, Client News, Police News, School News ⋅ Great Barrington, great barrington police, social media ⋅ 0 Comments

Town of Great Barrington
Jennifer Tabakin, Town Manager
Town Hall
334 Main St.
Great Barrington, MA 01230

For Immediate Release

Wednesday, May 30, 2018

Contact: Chief William Walsh Jr.
Phone: 413-528-0306

Media Contact: John Guilfoil
Phone: 617-993-0003
Email: john@jgpr.net

Great Barrington Police Determine That There is No Threat to High School Following Investigation Into Social Media Post

GREAT BARRINGTON — Chief William Walsh reports that the Great Barrington Police Department has concluded that there is no cause for concern following an investigation into a potentially suspicious Facebook post.

The post, which was reported to staff at Monument Mountain Regional High School and subsequently referred to Great Barrington Police, made reference to gun violence in general but made no reference to any individuals or to the high school.

Following a thorough investigation, Great Barrington Police have determined that the individual who made the post — who is not a high school student — was quoting a song lyric and did not intend for the post to be interpreted as a threat.

“I’m glad that the people who were concerned by the nature of this post brought it to our attention,” Chief Walsh said. “However, I want to assure everyone we have concluded that there is no threat to the community and no cause for concern.”

“As with all school events, we will closely monitor commencement to ensure it is safe for all,” Superintendent Peter Dillon said. “Students, parents or community members are always encouraged to share any concerns they may have regarding school safety.”

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February 16, 2018

Bridgewater Police Arrest Juvenile after Threatening Social Media Post

Jessica Sacco ⋅ Client News, Police News ⋅ acts of violence, Birdgewater police department, school, social media, threats ⋅ 0 Comments

Bridgewater Police Department
Christopher Delmonte, Chief of Police
220 Pleasant St.
Bridgewater, MA 02324

For Immediate Release

Friday, Feb. 16, 2018

Media Contact: Benjamin Paulin
Phone: 781-428-3299
Email: ben@jgpr.net

Bridgewater Police Arrest Juvenile after Threatening Social Media Post

BRIDGEWATER — Chief Christopher D. Delmonte reports that the Bridgewater Police Department arrested a juvenile who allegedly made threats on social media to commit acts of violence.

As a result of an investigation by Bridgewater Police, a JUVENILE MALE, AGE 17, OF BRIDGEWATER was arrested and charged with:

Making Terroristic Threats
Disturbing a School or other Assembly
Larceny of a Motor Vehicle

Earlier today, several people reported to Bridgewater Police that they observed a message on Snapchat allegedly posted by the juvenile suspect. The message read “Florida part 2,” referencing to the Stoneman Douglas High School shooting in Parkland, Florida that occurred on Wednesday. The post also showed a photo of a person holding what appeared to be a semi-automatic pistol.

During the course of the investigation, Bridgewater Police also recovered a stolen motor vehicle that is believed to be connected to the suspect.

The investigation led police to the suspect, who was arrested without incident this afternoon.

The suspect is being held without bail and is scheduled to be arraigned on Tuesday at Brockton Juvenile Court.

The incident remains under investigation by Bridgewater Police Department Detectives along with Bridgewater and Raynham School Resource Officers.

If anyone has any information about this incident, they are asked to call Bridgewater Police at 508-697-6118.

These are allegations. All suspects are considered innocent until proven guilty.

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February 7, 2018

North Reading Authorities Respond after Concerning Social Media Posts and Comments by High School Student

John Guilfoil ⋅ Client News, Police News ⋅ North Reading, police, schools, social media, threats ⋅ 0 Comments

North Reading Police Department
Chief Michael P. Murphy
150 Park St.
North Reading, MA 01864

For Immediate Release

Wednesday, Feb. 7, 2018

Contact: John Guilfoil
Phone: 617-993-0003
Email: john@jgpr.net

North Reading Authorities Respond after Concerning Social Media Posts and Comments by High School Student

No Danger to Schools or Community

NORTH READING — Police Chief Michael P. Murphy and Superintendent of Schools Jon Bernard report to the residents of North Reading that actions have been taken after the North Reading High School administration learned that a student allegedly made a statement deemed to be one of concern for compromising school safety and similar messages of concern were posted on social media.

There is no danger to the North Reading Public School District or the greater community.

The student in question was identified, and appropriate actions have been taken, consistent with the code of conduct as outlined in the handbook that governs North Reading High School. The North Reading Police Department has conducted an investigation, led by Detective Sean O’Leary, and working with school administrators. A determination was made that the statement and social media postings, while troubling, do not rise to the level of criminal charges; however, the school district is addressing the matter in accordance with district policy.

The student’s name cannot be released for legal reasons.

Background:

On Tuesday, February 6, 2018, North Reading High School administrators were made aware of statements allegedly made by a high school student that indicated a desire to harm others at the school. Through the course of the investigation similarly concerning postings were found on social media. School administrators, consistent with the policies and procedures that have been adopted to ensure a safe school environment and response to threats, took prompt action including identifying the student involved and meeting with the student and the student’s family.

“The safety and security of students is one of our utmost priorities, and we are grateful for the strong working relationship that exists between the North Reading Police Department and our public schools,” Chief Murphy said.

Added Superintendent Bernard: “I am pleased to know that our school safety and security policies and procedures work and that they were followed by faculty, staff, and administrators. I am thankful to the North Reading Police department, the students and staff of our middle school and high school, and the community at large for their patience and support as we work to resolve this matter of concern and maintain a safe and secure learning environment for all.”

The North Reading Public Schools and North Reading Police Department wish to thank everyone for their patience and support.

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January 7, 2018

Methuen Police Determine No Threat Exists Against High School After Social Media Post Causes Concerns

Benjamin Paulin ⋅ Client News, Police News, School News ⋅ Investigation, Methuen, Methuen High School, methuen police department, Methuen Public Schools, social media, threat ⋅ 0 Comments

Methuen Police Department
Joseph Solomon, Chief of Police
Quinn Public Safety Building
90 Hampshire St.
Methuen, MA 01844

For Immediate Release

Sunday, Jan. 7, 2018

Contact: John Guilfoil
Phone: 617-993-0003
Email: john@jgpr.net

Methuen Police Determine No Threat Exists Against High School After Social Media Post Causes Concerns

METHUEN — Mayor James P. Jajuga and Chief Joseph Solomon report that the police department has determined there is no credible threat against Methuen High School, after investigating a social media post that was being circulated Sunday night.

Police have determined that the social media post originated elsewhere and was not connected to Methuen High School in any way.

School will be opened as scheduled on Monday.

At approximately 7:40 p.m. Sunday, police and school officials were made aware of an allegedly threatening social media post being circulated among students. Some of the students notified their parents, who then called Methuen Police.

Methuen Police detectives and school resource officers made a full and thorough investigation and determined that the post was referring to a school in another state. That matter is being investigated by law enforcement agencies where the post originated from and Methuen Police are in communication with those agencies.

“We are extremely happy and proud that the students notified their parents of this post, who then immediately notified the Methuen Police,” Chief Solomon said. “We always take situations like this very seriously and our detectives worked quickly to determine that the threat did not have anything to do with our schools.”

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