A student’s school shooting-related “joke” during a lockdown drill at Boothbay Region High School on Friday led to a full investigation by Boothbay Harbor Police Department. On Monday morning, Chief Bob Hasch and BRHS Principal Dan Welch said they do not to believe there is any real threat related to this incident.

“It was essentially a joke, in poor taste and at the wrong time,” Hasch said.

Welch said after a student overheard a conversation between other students about a supposed school shooting, the student reported the conversation to a faculty member, who reported it to Welch and Dean of Students Allan Crocker. Welch immediately reported the incident to Boothbay Harbor Police Department. Chief Hasch said police spent Friday night interviewing students and parents. Based on those interviews, Hasch said they have concluded it was simply an inappropriate joke and not an actual threat. 

“We have interviewed the kids and their parents. We believe the statements were not a threat, just a case of poor judgement.”

“From my perspective, the appropriate actions were taken all around in response to this incident. We really do pride ourselves that students are comfortable talking to adults here about their concerns,” Welch said.

Hasch said BHPD would have extra police officers at the school Monday, March 26, to allay concerns. “We have had an extra presence at the school since the Parkland shooting, but we don’t have any reason to believe there is a threat.”