A bomb scare rant led to a sweep of two Acushnet public schools this weekend after a disturbing threat surfaced via email. Superintendent of Schools Paula J. Bailey and Police Chief Christopher R. Richmond coordinated with K-9 units to migate the safety concerns, which were later deemed a hoax following thorough search.
The tension unfurled on Saturday when an unnerving message hit the superintendent's desk through the school district website form, laying out an apparent bomb threat that set off a wave of evacuations, confirmed by both NBC Boston and an official JGPR press release. Custodial staff and ServPro employees, absorbed in a previously planned deep clean at an elementary school in Acushnet, found themselves amidst an unplanned disruption.
The superintendent "immediately notified Chief Richmond and School Resource Officer Derek Cathcart," according to an official statement released on the weekend. Police units, alongside their loyal K-9 partners from the Massachusetts State Police and the Bristol County Sheriff’s Office, revealed nothing out of the ordinary.
"Unfortunately, these kinds of anonymous email threats have become far too common nationally, but we continue to take very threat seriously and respond in a consistent manner," remarked Chief Richmond in a statement obtained by NBC Boston.
Superintendent Bailey joined in praising law enforcement's quick reaction, expressing relief over the situation's resolution. "We are grateful to Chief Richmond and their law enforcement partners for their prompt and efficient response this weekend". As tranquility is restored, Acushnet's schools expect to welcome back their students on Monday morning.
