Massachusetts

Wareham, Massachusetts, Schools Evacuated, Searched After Threatening Email

Police say a search of schools in a town has concluded and no threats were located after an administrator received a threatening email.

Wareham Police said an email was sent anonymously on Monday from someone claiming to be inside a school with a gun. Wareham High School, Wareham Middle School and Minot Forest Elementary School were evacuated and searched by police out of an abundance of caution, according to police.

No injuries have been reported, and police have found no evidence of a gunman inside any of the schools.

Each facility had summer school and other educational activities going on. Students and school officials were transported to the Gleason Family YMCA, where children will be released to their parents or guardians.

The Southeastern Massachusetts Law Enforcement Council SWAT team responded, with mutual support coming from the Cape Cod Law Enforcement Council SWAT team and the Massachusetts State Police STOP team. State police also sent its air wing, K9 units and troopers from the Bourne barracks.

"We understand that the large police presence may be alarming to some, but our number one priority is that the children and school officials are safe, and we do not take any chances when it comes to that," Wareham Police Chief Kevin Walsh said in a statement. "I want to thank everyone in the community for their support and patience."

Police do not believe there is any danger to the public, Walsh added.

"This morning an email was received by a school administrator that threatened the safety of students," Wareham Public Schools said in a statement. "Buildings have been placed on lockdown as the police are in the process of searching the buildings."

Copyright AP - Associated Press
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