New Bedford Guide Your Guide to New Bedford and South Coast, MA
On Thursday afternoon at approximately 1:15pm Keith Middle School enforced a “Shelter in place” after spotting an individual with a “full face mask” outside of the school. The New Bedford Police Department have since released a statement addressing the situation.
***RUMOR CONTROL***
We have received some inquiries regarding this afternoon’s call for service outside of Keith.
Our police detail stopped the two youths in the Hetland parking lot. They were identified as NBHS students and brought to the main office where the matter will be handled administratively by school staff.
No weapons were found, and there appears to have been no threat. Please see the school department’s statement below that was sent out to Keith parents.
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“At approximately 1:15 p.m., two individuals were seen outside of Keith Middle School wearing backpacks, one wearing a full face mask. For the safety of everyone, the school briefly sheltered in place. New Bedford Police responded immediately and apprehended two youths who were not Keith students. No weapons were found. The two individuals did not enter the school.
The shelter-in-place was lifted after 15 minutes. Police are investigating. Principal Mather notified Keith families. Interim Superintendent O’Leary stated, “As safety is our top priority the procedure for suspicious parties outside calls for sheltering in place. We appreciate the very quick response from police and the Keith staff for a prompt response and resolution to this situation.”
