SALISBURY — A 36-year-old man was arrested Tuesday in connection with a series of bomb threats made online.
Scott Merchant of Salisbury was charged with bomb/terroristic threats and threat to commit a crime, to wit murder, according to the Salisbury Police Department.
The arrest occurred at 12:43 p.m. Sept. 9.
Special agents from the FBI Boston Field Office notified Salisbury Police during the morning hours that they were actively investigating ongoing threats being made over a social media platform.
The threats included the use of firearms and explosives.
Out of an abundance of caution for nearby residents, the suspect and officers’ safety, police utilized their partnership with the Northeastern Massachusetts Law Enforcement Council.
Specially trained and equipped officers served the arrest warrant and the suspect was taken into custody without incident.
Merchant was transported to Newburyport District Court and was arraigned on the two charges.
Throughout the investigation, the Salisbury Police Department worked with special agents assigned to the Boston Field Office, FBI special agent bomb technicians and the Massachusetts State Police bomb technician assigned to the Explosives Investigations Section.
Law enforcement resources from across Essex and Middlesex counties, NEMLEC SWAT personnel and explosive ordinance detection K-9s were utilized at the scene.
The investigation remains ongoing, however, there is no threat to the public.
