A Connecticut high school student was taken into custody Thursday after law enforcement responded to a report of a student with a gun, prompting a school lockdown, road closures and a massive police presence.
“This message is to inform you that Stonington High School is currently in lockdown,” officials with Stonington Public Schools said in a statement shared on social media shortly before 10 a.m.
“During a lockdown, all students and staff are secured in designated areas within the building,” officials said, noting that the district was cooperating with law enforcement.
About 45 minutes later, the lockdown was downgraded to a “classroom hold,” officials said in an update without providing further details.
The Stonington Police Department said officers responded to the area after a student was said to have a firearm at the school.
The student, who has not been identified, was taken into custody after an investigation found two weapons in a backpack, later determined to be pellet guns, reported ABC affiliate WTNH.
“Stonington Police Department quickly resolved the issue,” Superintendent Mary Anne Butler told the outlet. “We are in the process of following our safety protocols which are deliberate and thoughtful.”
Shortly before 1 p.m., the district posted another update, saying it was dismissing students for the day.
“All students and staff are safe,” officials said. “Police will continue to investigate, and additional information will be shared as available.”
The initial alert sparked a multi-agency response involving members of the Stonington police, Connecticut State Police troopers, and nearby departments, The Westerly Sun reported.
Stonington High School, in New London County, had just over 550 students enrolled in the 2023-24 school year.
