Correction: An earlier version of this story said Gomez had been arraigned. Andover News regrets the error.
The 18-year-old Methuen man accused of making a threat against Andover High School was entered into a diversion program and will not be arraigned if he complies with stipulations set for his release.
Davian Izikiel Gomez was charged with bomb/hijack threat, a felony. He is a Methuen High School student who previously attended Andover High School, where his girlfriend is still a student, according to court documents.
Diversion programs in Massachusetts are typically for first-time offenders and give defendants a chance to avoid the criminal justice system by meeting certain conditions. Defendants need to be between 18 and 21 and participate in counseling, education, and community service during the program. If Gomez is arrested or fails to meet the conditions of the diversion program, his case will be sent back to the criminal court.
Gomez is due back in court for a hearing on March 5.
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Methuen police assisted in the investigation by interviewing Gomez at his home on Friday. He was taken into custody after police determined the online threat he is accused of posting was not credible.
“for all white follow the rules…that I have added,” said the threat that set off a panic at AHS Friday morning. “you better start tellin ya bimbo Sisters to stfu or you gon see me shooting up that school at 2:55. I leave for one year and mfs think they can play with what’s mine dw we gon find you n we play with what’s yours.”
Several students left school Friday as news of the threat circulated, and Principal Jimmy D’Andrea said in a note to families all absences would be excused.
“All students and staff in the building are safe, and we will continue to have a police presence at the school for the remainder of the school day,” D’Andrea said in Friday’s note. “For those of you who came to the school to pick up your students today, thank you very much for your patience.”
Andover News only publishes the names of people accused of felonies in its crime coverage. People charged with crimes are innocent until proven guilty. For more information, see our Mission and Policies page. Upon request, Andover News will remove names of people in crime stories once their case has been adjudicated. Contact us for more information.