UPDATE: Arrest Made in Handwritten Threatening Signs
Schools in Barnstead, Epsom, and Pittsfield had a higher police presence Friday after the discovery of signs that read "school shooter."
The words "school shooter" were handwritten in black marker on "multiple" paper plates found in the three neighboring towns along Route 28, according to the state Department of Safety. Although there was no other information regarding an imminent threat, state and local law enforcement increased their presence in schools.
The state Department of Safety and police in the respective towns began an investigation into the origin of the signs. The New Hampshire Department of Safety said Guy Hansen, 61, of Pittsfield was arrested Friday afternoon on Route 89 in Warner without incident, according to the Department of Safety.
Hansen was charged on a felony charge of falsifying physical evidence and three
misdemeanors, including: false report to law enforcement, false public alarm, and criminal threatening. Police did not disclose Hansen's reason for hanging the signs.
The signs come days after 19 students and 2 teachers were massacred inside Robb Elementary School in Uvalde, Texas, when gunman Salvador Ramos entered the school and opened fire with a gun.
Contact reporter Dan Alexander at Dan.Alexander@townsquaremedia.com or via Twitter @DanAlexanderNH