Man reportedly brandished knife at Normandin school bus stop

While waiting for their morning bus on Friday, November 21st, 2014, a student called the New Bedford Police Department because an adult had reportedly brandished a knife at the bus stop. The police responded immediately to the area of Sawyer and Reynolds streets. Students boarded the bus and proceeded to school without incident.

In response to the situation, several heightened security precautions were used Friday at schools across the North End: Normandin Middle School and Hayden-McFadden, Pacheco, Lincoln, Ashley, Swift, Campbell and Pulaski elementary schools.

“All students who were present at the bus stop are safe. It is always the goal of New Bedford Public Schools to ensure the safety of our students and take every necessary precaution, and that is why we increased security measures at our North End schools,” said Superintendent Pia Durkin. “Out of an abundance of caution, the bus stop in question has been moved from that location to ensure the safety of all our students.”

Superintendent Durkin thanked New Bedford Police for their response as they continue to investigate the incident.