North Middlesex High Student Arrested For Threat On First Day Of School
TOWNSEND (CBS) – A student is under arrest for allegedly making a threat on the first day of classes at the new North Middlesex Regional High School.
Sanjay Daley, 18, of Pepperell, was arraigned Wednesday at Ayer District Court on a felony threat charge.
Pepperell police said they were told Tuesday night that a student at the school, later identified as Daley, posted a message on Instagram "indicating he planned to harm others at the high school during their first day back."
The police report shows the Instagram post was of an AR-15 style rifle with the caption "getting ready for school."
Officers went to Daley's home and arrested him. He spent the night at the Pepperell Police Department.
As a precaution, additional police officers were stationed at the brand new complex in Townsend Wednesday.
Students had to wait in line and pass through metal detectors as they arrived for the first day of the new school year.
"He is a really nice kid. He didn't mean it. It's just blown out of proportion. He's not a bad kid. It's just gone too far at this point," said Erik DeBerandinis, a friend of Daley's.
"The safety of students, faculty and staff is our number one priority," Pepperell Police Chief Scott said in a statement. "We're pleased to report that the controlled entry went well and that there is no danger to the community."
Daley is due back in court September 22. He was ordered to stay away from North Middlesex High School and remain at home under house arrest.
"Hopefully a lesson learned and it's just something he thought he was funny doing, not knowing all that could happen from it," said Maureen Young, whose granddaughter attends the school.
