Bomb Threat Targeting Grammar School In Methuen Not Credible: Police

METHUEN, MA — Police were investigating a bomb threat over the weekend in Methuen, authorities said.

Law enforcement was notified Saturday by the FBI Boston Field Office about a social media threat against Donald P. Timony Grammar School, according to police.

Officers used a search warrant to determine the account belonged to a child who was a Timony student and that the threat was not credible, police said. Out of an abundance of caution, authorities swept the school with assistance from neighboring agencies, including explosive detection K-9 teams, according to police, who said officers also searched the child’s home and found nothing suspicious.

Authorities believe the incident was isolated but there will be extra school patrols Monday, police said, adding the investigation was ongoing and no charges had been filed as of Sunday.

"Threats made online, whether intended as a joke or a serious act, are not only alarming but are taken extremely seriously by law enforcement,” Chief Scott McNamara said in a news release. “Any threat directed at schools, students, staff, or the public will be thoroughly investigated, and those responsible will face significant legal consequences.”