This is a printer-friendly version of an article from Zip06.com.
02/20/2018 11:00 PMFollowing reports of a troubled student from community members—and in the shadow of the most recent school shooting in Parkland, Florida—Old Saybrook Police have arrested a 17 year-old Old Saybrook High School student on a charge of breach of peace and school officials have barred the student from any school ground.
“This was a perfect example of see something, say something, and that’s our reality today,” said Superintendent of School Jan Perruccio in a press conference held this morning. “In today’s world, we all have to be the eyes and ears of our community.”
According to Old Saybrook Chief of Police Michael A. Spera (see his complete press release below), his department was informed by students and parents of a pattern of troubling comments and actions by the student, who has not been identified, on Feb. 16. While an arrest was made, police determined there was no credible threat to the schools. The department has allocated additional police staff to the schools to reassure students and staff.
Perrucio noted that school counselors and Old Saybrook Youth & Family Services staff are working in the schools to address any concerns of students. She also said that the schools will continue to update policies as this and other incidents shape their knowledge of possible threats to student safety.
“Obviously in light in recent national events, we are looking at all our behaviors and all our policies, as I imagine every school district in our nation is,” she said.
Neither police nor the schools have released information about the nature of the comments or actions of the student, though police did refute a rumor that it involved the student displaying a BB gun on a Facebook page.
Though details remain scarce, First Selectman Carl Fortuna, Jr., reassured residents that the situation was addressed quickly and appropriately.
“From start to finish, I want to emphasize that this matter was handled as it should have been, from the school children to the parents to the Old Saybrook Police Department. The Old Saybrook citizens demonstrated that our community works together.”
Press release from Old Saybrook Chief of Police Michael A. Spera
On Feb. 20, the Old Saybrook Police Department made an arrest in an investigation regarding concerning behavior of a 17 year old. Both the Police Department and the Public School District are restricted by various and differing laws and regulations on the degree of detail that can be offered on any matter concerning a juvenile or a student.
The Police Department is releasing the following information to the public and we have asked the superintendent to forward the Police Department press release to all parents in the school district.
Last Friday [Feb. 16] and over the weekend, students and parents communicated concerns to the Police Department about the comments and actions of a high school student over the past weeks and months.
The comprehensive investigation has resulted in the arrest of a 17 year old for breach of peace in the second degree, a violation of Connecticut General Statutes 53-181a.
At no time was evidence revealed that there was a credible threat against any school in Old Saybrook. As we return to school on Wednesday, Feb. 21, the department has no evidence or information of any credible threat against any Old Saybrook school campus.
The person that was arrested was remanded to state custody by a judge and will not be permitted on any Old Saybrook School campus until such time it is deemed appropriate by the court and/or school officials.
Additional police resources may be present at school campuses throughout the week, for no other reason than to allow our students and staff to know we are there to keep them safe.
The department takes our responsibilities very seriously, especially when it concerns the safety of our students and school faculty. It is important to remember that all of us (students, parents, school district employees, and police officers) have significant responsibilities when it comes to ensuring the safety of our school campuses. All suspicious and/or concerning behavior must be reported immediately to law enforcement officials. Delays in reporting could have catastrophic consequences.
Our priority is not to make juvenile arrests. Our priority is to keep our kids safe!
If you have any questions or concerns, you may contact me at the Police Department at 860-395-3142 or by email at Chief@OldSaybrookPolice.com.