Bomb threat made to Methuen school, no danger to public, authorities say

While there is no current threat to the communities, authorities said, there will be a heightened police presence at schools in the area on Monday.

Police responded to a bomb threat made against a Methuen school on Saturday, the Methuen Police Department said in a statement.

Federal authorities altered Methuen police that someone had made a social media post threatening to bomb Donald P. Timony Grammar School, the statement said. Police “immediately” notified Methuen Public School officials and began an investigation.

Officers found a Timony School student made the threat, the department said.

“It was determined that the student does not possess the means or the opportunity to carry out such a threat,” the statement said. Police said they also searched the suspect’s home, and did not find anything “suspicious.”

Methuen police swept the school, according to procedure and “out of an abundance of caution,” the statement said. Police said this is an isolated incident, and there is no threat to nearby schools.

While an investigation is underway, Methuen police announced there will be an extra patrol at all schools on Monday. Authorities have not filed charges, the statement said.

“Schools are meant to be safe spaces for learning, said Methuen Police Chief Scott McNamara. “We will continue to do everything in our power to protect our children and our community.”