Andover high junior arrested for gun pic post

A high school student from Andover was arrested last night, accused of posting a picture of assault rifles on Snapchat along with a warning to fellow students not to come to school today, authorities said.

“The alleged origin of the social media posts was traced to an Andover High School junior, and police went to his home to question him,” a press release from Andover Public School Superintendent Sheldon Berman stated.

Police said the photo of assault rifles posted on Snapchat was downloaded from the internet. It was not an actual photo taken by the suspect.

Police reported that no firearms were found at the residence.

The school has suspended the student on an “emergency basis.” Administrators said school will go ahead as scheduled today. Out of an abundance of caution, extra officers will be assigned, and families may notice the increased police presence, the press release stated.

“While we are confident that there is no danger, I am proud that the procedures we have in place in

‘While we are confident that there is no danger, I am proud that the procedures we have in place in the event of a threat were followed.’ — SHELDON BERMAN, Andover superintendent

the event of a threat were followed, and I am pleased with the level of teamwork and constant communication among officials as this unfolded over the past few hours,” Berman said. “The Andover Police Department is to be commended for investigating this threat with great professionalism and providing a resolution within two hours of the initial report.”

More information will be released by the school and the police department as it becomes available. The student is expected to be arraigned today in Lawrence District Court’s juvenile session.