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In New Haven County, officers from the Hamden Police Department responded to the high school at approximately 1 p.m. on Tuesday, Oct. 5, where there was a report of a 17-year-old student who was in possession of a handgun.
Police said that “for precautionary measures, the student was brought to the principal’s office by school administers and school security,” while a “stay in place” order was given by school officials while officers investigated.
Investigators noted that officers trained in crisis intervention were required to help diffuse the situation when the student became uncooperative. They later recovered a loaded .45 caliber handgun in the student’s backpack.
The teen - whose name has not been released - was charged with:
- Carrying a pistol without a permit;
- Possession of a weapon on school grounds;
- Reckless endangerment;
- Breach of peace.
According to police, the teen was taken to a juvenile detention center in Bridgeport as police detectives continue to investigate the firearm that was seized from the student.
In response, on Wednesday, Oct. 6, the Hamden Police Department increased security at the school as a precaution, which is expected to last for several days in the wake of the student’s arrest.
“During this difficult time, it is more important than ever to have conversations with your children about the dangers of gun violence and to encourage your children to continue to report unsafe and concerning behaviors to trusted adults,” Hamden Schools Superintendent Jody Ian Goeler wrote in a message to parents. “If you see something, say something.”
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