Andover High Student Arrested After Threat Appears Online

Photo of Firearms Was Downloaded from Internet by Suspect

ANDOVER — Town Manager Andrew Flanagan, Superintendent of Schools Sheldon Berman, and Andover High School Principal Philip Conrad report that an Andover High School student has been arrested by Andover Police as authorities investigate a threatening post appeared on Snapchat.

 

At 7 p.m. Monday, parents reported to the Andover Police Department and Andover High School officials that someone posted a photo of assault rifles online with a message warning students not to come to school tomorrow. An investigation followed. The alleged origin of the social media posts was traced to an Andover High School junior, and police went to his home to question him. He has been arrested and is in custody at this hour as the suspect behind the posting.

 

The investigation also determined that the photo of assault rifles posted to Snapchat was downloaded from the Internet and not an actual photo taken by the suspect. Police reported that no firearms were found at the residence.

 

Disciplinary procedures are being followed by school officials, and the student has been suspended on an emergency basis.

 

There is no danger at this time to the school or greater community. School will go on as scheduled tomorrow. Out of an abundance of caution, extra officers will be assigned, and families may notice the increased police presence.

 

“While we are confident that there is no danger, I am proud that the procedures we have in place in the event of a threat were followed, and I am pleased with the level of teamwork and constant communication among officials as this unfolded over the past few hours,” Superintendent Berman said. “The Andover Police Department is to be commended for investigating this threat with great professionalism and providing a resolution within two hours of the initial report.

 

More information will be released by the town, schools, and Andover Police Department as it becomes available.