Maynard Police Believe School Bus Bomb Threat A Hoax

MAYNARD (CBS) - Police kept a close eye on public schools in Maynard Tuesday because of a threat that they think was a hoax.

A resident called police around 6 p.m. Monday saying she found a bag of shotgun shells on the sidewalk in front of her home.

Messages were scribbled on those shot gun shells referencing terrorism and a bomb planted on a bus in town.

Maynard police alerted Massachusetts State Police and federal authorities. The state police bomb squad searched the area and all four of the town's school buses and nothing dangerous was found.

"The buses look half empty, more than that. I think people are hesitant to come in or take the bus," parent Audrey Wisely told WBZ-TV.

"I'm not leaving town today.  I'm sticking around home we'll see how it goes. I'm sure it'll be fine."

But police have a very strong message, saying they will prosecute whoever is behind this threat.

Police say even if it's a hoax, this incident falls under terroristic threats, which is a felony carrying up to 20 years in prison.

They want anyone with information to give them a call at 978-897-1011 or 978-897-1012.