Mass. man arrested for making series of bomb threats online, police say
A Salisbury man was arrested Tuesday for making a series of bomb threats online, according to police.
Scott Merchant, 36, has been charged with making a bomb threat and threatening to commit murder, Salisbury police said in a press release . He pleaded not guilty to the charges during his arraignment in Newburyport District Court on Tuesday.
On Tuesday morning, FBI Boston special agents informed Salisbury police that they were actively investigating ongoing threats involving explosives and guns, Salisbury police said. The suspect was believed to be located in Salisbury, but was making the threats via a social media platform.
Out of an abundance of caution, Salisbury police asked a regional law enforcement task force with specially trained and equipped officers to assist with serving a warrant for Merchant's arrest, police said. He was arrested without incident shortly 12:45 p.m. on Tuesday and then taken to his arraignment.
At his arraignment, Merchant was ordered held without bail pending a dangerousness hearing on Thursday, according to court records. The judge also ordered that he undergo an examination to determine his competence to stand trial.
Salisbury police are still investigating the incident, but say there is no threat to the public.
Merchant's lawyer did not immediately respond to a request for comment Tuesday evening.
No further information about the incident has been released.
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