Tensions rose at a Boxford, Massachusetts school yesterday morning as it abruptly entered lockdown mode. Authorities arrested a man, known to have a colorful criminal background, who had set up camp in a tree on the school's premises. The lockdown at Masconomet Regional Middle/High School was a precautionary measure taken while police apprehended 32-year-old Darren Devine, who was wanted on outstanding bench warrant, reported from Boston 25 News.
Boxford police first got wind of the suspicious individual on Monday and learned from neighboring Topsfield police that Devine had been previously arrested in Yarmouth, adding to his notorious array of run-ins with the law. Devine's prior convictions total an eye-popping 91 in the state of Massachusetts alone, with charges ranging from assault and battery of a police officer to destruction of property, as stated by WCVB.
The school's swift reaction to the potential threat included a shelter-in-place order out of an abundance of caution. Police Chief James Riter of Boxford said they found "a jacket and a hat in a pine tree" which led them to discover the makeshift campsite and hence, Darren Devine. "The safety and security of our students is our top priority," Masconomet Regional School District Superintendent Michael Harvey conveyed in a letter to parents, also reassuring them that Devine had posed no credible threat to anyone on campus, as reported by Boston 25 News
Following his arrest, school officials made it a point to lend emotional support to their shaken community. "An incident such as this can be upsetting to students, so I ask that you urge them to share their feelings with a trusted adult either in school or at home," said Harvey, placing emphasis on the availability of the School Resource Officer to provide support throughout the school day. Devine's presence on the school grounds had reportedly gone undetected since as early as Friday before being located on Tuesday, as per Boston 25 News.
Devine's encounters with law enforcement have included several volatile alternations and escape attempts, illustrating a persistent pattern of eluding accountability. He remains in custody and is expected to be transferred back to Cape Cod, where additional charges await him. The school, meanwhile, has returned to its regular schedule, with increased vigilance and community support.
