Woman Accused of Causing Bomb Scare at Dunkin’ in Massachusetts

A Massachusetts woman is facing several charges after police say she caused chaos at a Dunkin’ and a nearby store in Concord by pulling fire alarms and leaving behind a suitcase that prompted a bomb scare.

April Grueter, 48, of Webster, was arraigned Friday in Concord District Court where she pleaded not guilty to charges including tampering with a fire call box, possession of a hoax device, and disorderly conduct. She is being held on $3,500 bail.

Police say Grueter pulled two fire alarms at the Dunkin’ on Sudbury Road Thursday evening before heading to the Nine Acre Farm Convenience Store next door, where she reportedly made “threatening statements” and left behind a suitcase.

Her actions triggered evacuations and forced nearby businesses to close while the Massachusetts State Police Bomb Squad investigated. No explosives were found in the suitcase.

Grueter fled the scene in a gray Nissan but later crashed and ran into nearby woods, where officers arrested her. Authorities say she was taken to a hospital for evaluation.

At her arraignment, a prosecutor called the incident “terrifying” for those inside the store. Grueter’s attorney argued she was experiencing mental health issues at the time, though those have since been addressed.

If released, Grueter must stay away from the Dunkin’ and the convenience store and is prohibited from possessing weapons. She is scheduled to return to court on September 3.

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