BAR HARBOR, Maine — After restricting access to Mount Desert Island High School late Wednesday afternoon and evening as a precaution, Bar Harbor police determined that what initially was considered an unsubstantiated threat was the result of a misunderstanding.
At issue was a “suspicious and concerning but indirect drawing” located in a classroom by a staff member after the close of school. The discovery prompted the evacuation of the school, which was locked down, and an investigation, Bar Harbor Police Chief James Willis said Wednesday night in a news release.
The name of the 15-year-old student who was responsible for the drawing was provided to officers, the chief said. That student, along with most others at the school, had gone home for the day when the incident was reported.
“The student contacted the school via phone when made aware of the investigation and was cooperative,” Willis said. He said officers interviewed the student at the student’s home as well as the student’s parents and school staff members.
“Our investigation revealed that the student drew the picture early in the school day and had left it on a desk, under some papers. The staff member located it when going through things at the end of the day,” Willis said. “The student did not intend for it to be interpreted as any sort of threat, apologized and expressed remorse when made aware of the response and investigation.”
Willis said that no charges are pending at this time and that school officials will work with police to determine what, if any, additional steps will be taken.
School will resume on Thursday, according to staff.
Bangor Daily News writer Dawn Gagnon contribute to this report.
