Crime & Safety

Methuen Sophomore Arrested For Referencing Mass Shooting: Police

A 16-year-old allegedly referenced bullets, death, and a mass shooting at Methuen High to other students.

METHUEN, MA — A sophomore at Methuen High was arrested Monday afternoon after allegedly making threats and referencing a school shooting. Mayor James Jajuga and Chief Joseph Solomon said the student, who as a 16-year-old is not being named, was arrested at the school without incident shortly after 2 p.m.

School administrators told police the boy reportedly referenced bullets, death, and a mass shooting at the school to other students.

The boy was charged with threats concerning dangerous items and disturbance in a school.

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A search of the boy's home resulted did not turn up weapons. No firearms are licensed to anyone at his home.

Methuen Police said they do not believe there to be danger.

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"This is an excellent example of 'see something, say something,'" Jajuga said. "In this instance, students heard disturbing remarks about committing violence at school, and they spoke up immediately. This is one of the ways we keep our community and our schools safe."

The boy will be arraigned in Lawrence Juvenile Court.

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