Social media threat made by Northeast student

Published in the September 23, 2019 edition.

WAKEFIELD — Northeast Metro Tech Superintendent David DiBarri and Wakefield Police Chief Steven A. Skory reported yesterday that police are investigating a threat made by a Northeast student via social media on Saturday.

The preliminary investigation, which is being conducted in close coordination with Revere Police, has determined that there is no actual or credible threat to the school.

On Saturday afternoon, school officials received a report that a post, which included an image of a firearm and a warning not to attend school today, was made via Snapchat, allegedly by a Northeast student who resides in Revere.

The Wakefield and Revere Police Departments subsequently conducted an investigation and have determined that the school is not in danger and the threat was not credible. The student will be disciplined in accordance with Northeast’s code of conduct.

The school district has cooperated fully with the police investigation, and has made its on-site School Resource Officer aware of the situation.

“Any threat, whether it’s legitimate or not, merits a serious and thorough response,” DiBarri said. “We’re confident, based on the work of our colleagues with the Wakefield and Revere Police Departments, that there is no danger to our school community and we’ll remain vigilant in order to ensure the safety of students and staff going forward.”

Wakefield schools’ Supt. Dough Lyons issued the following to parents over the weekend:

“I am writing to let you know that we were made aware of a threat made by a student on social media who attends Northeast Metropolitan Regional Vocational School. The threat is being investigated by the Wakefield Police. Their findings indicate that there is currently no danger to Northeast, or any member of the Northeast and Wakefield Public School Communities.

“To be clear, this threat was not directed at any of the Wakefield Public Schools or any Wakefield Public School students. Based on the current information, the opening of school (today was) business as usual. We are notifying the greater Wakefield Community to keep you informed as the Northeast Voke campus abuts Wakefield Memorial High School and Woodville Elementary Schools. The Wakefield Police, including our School Resource officers, will continue to collaborate with school administrators to ensure students are safe.”