ATHOL, Mass. — A large police response was seen at Athol High School late Sunday night after a 911 caller allegedly threatened to harm both himself and responding police officers.
According to information obtained by Athol News, at approximately 10:56 p.m., a 911 call was received from an untraceable phone line. During the call, a male stated that he was inside Athol High School, was suicidal, and allegedly threatened to shoot responding officers with a firearm he claimed to possess.
The caller disconnected before dispatchers were able to obtain additional information.
Athol Police immediately responded to the school, with assistance from the Massachusetts State Police and the Orange Police Department. A K-9 unit from Orange Police was also requested to assist in the search.
Officers conducted an extensive search of the school grounds. Authorities found that all exterior doors were secure, no alarms had been activated, and there were no signs that anyone had entered the building. Police remained on scene until approximately 12:30 a.m. before clearing the area.
Witnesses reported seeing the school surrounded by numerous police vehicles during the investigation.
During the incident, there was reportedly some initial confusion regarding which school and town the caller was referring to. As a precaution, police also responded to Mahar Regional School in Orange, where officers checked the perimeter of the campus. No suspicious activity was located there.
The identity of the caller has not been released due to the nature of the incident.
The investigation remains ongoing. Anyone with information related to the incident is encouraged to contact the Athol Police Department.
This is a developing story. Athol News will provide updates as additional information becomes available.





