Springfield officials provide update on surge of school hoax threats

SPRINGFIELD, Mass. (WWLP) – A news conference was being held to address the public on the uptick in school hoax threats in Springfield.

The Springfield Public School’s Spokesperson Azell Cavaan said there has been a rise in hoax threats that are significantly disrupting school operations. Since the start of the school year, there have been 14 threats, 13 were gun-related, and one bomb threat.

On Wednesday, Springfield Police investigated an active shooter threat made by a 9-year-old student at Springfield Public Day Elementary on Nye St. Springfield Police Spokesperson Ryan Walsh told 22News that one student has been arrested and three students have been issued a criminal complaint in connection with school threats.

Mayor Domenic Sarno, Police Superintendent Lawrence Akers, and Springfield Public Schools Superintendent Dr. Sonia Dinnall addressed the seriousness of these threats, which have caused unnecessary panic during a news conference at City Hall Thursday afternoon.

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