Student Arrested Over 'Concerning Behavior': Old Saybrook Police

OLD SAYBROOK, CT — A 17-year-old high school student has been arrested following an investigation into reports from students and parents regarding the teen’s "concerning behavior," including recent comments and actions, according to Old Saybrook Police. The teen has been remanded to state custody and will not be allowed on any Old Saybrook School Campus until “such time it is deemed appropriate by the court and/or school officials,” according to Old Saybrook Police Chief Michael A. Spera.

The student hasn’t been identified due to their age and police aren’t releasing details on what specific behavior or comments led to the arrest. Spera said there was no credible threat made against any school in Old Saybrook and that there may be an additional police presence at school campuses throughout the week.

Students and parents notified police last Friday and over the weekend of their concerns about the teen’s comments and actions over the past weeks and months, according to Spera. The 17-year-old was arrested following an investigation and charged with second-degree breach of peace.

“At no time was evidence revealed that there was a credible threat against any school in Old Saybrook,” Spera said in a press release. “As we return to school on Wednesday, 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.”

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