School was back in session at Machias-area schools Thursday after two days of cancellations prompted by threatening message.
Late Monday, police received word of an “electronic threat” to harm students at Machias Memorial High School, according to Machias police Chief Grady Dwelley. It’s unclear whether that message was an email, social media posting or some other form of message.
School officials, after consulting with police, decided to close the high school and the Rose M. Gaffney Elementary School in Machias. The next day, the district, AOS 96, closed all eight of its schools as a precaution as police continued their investigation.
Thursday morning, police announced they’d arrested a male juvenile who would be charged with terrorizing.
The Maine State Police computer crimes unit and Washington County Sheriff’s Office assisted local police in the investigation.
“We’d like to thank parents, students and staff for their patience during this investigation,” Superintendent Scott Porter said Wednesday night, after the district decided classes would resume Thursday. “We take their safety very seriously.”