Police presence increased at Fitchburg High after overheard threat; student faces charges
Fitchburg police stepped up their presence at the high school Thursday after a student reported overhearing a nonspecific threat, capping a week with two separate incidents.
Fitchburg High School had an increased police presence on Thursday, Oct. 22, after a student reported overhearing a "nonspecific threat," according to a message to families from Principal Matt Lamey that was shared by Mayor Sam Squailia.
School officials said the added officers were there "out of an abundance of caution."
What happened this week
Officials described two separate incidents at the school earlier in the week:
- Monday: A male juvenile student caused a disturbance and now faces multiple criminal charges. No arrest was made.
- Wednesday: A second incident remains under investigation. There were no arrests.
The mayor's statement said no incident was reported to police on Tuesday. The school resource officer is investigating both cases.
What we don't know
Officials have not described the overheard threat beyond calling it nonspecific, and they did not say whether it is connected to either earlier incident. Because juveniles are involved, officials said they can share only limited information, including the specific charges in Monday's case.
New England Press will update this story if police or school officials release more details.