Man Trespasses At Darien School, Scares Students: Police

DARIEN, CT — A 63-year-old homeless man was arrested on a charge of breach of peace Tuesday morning after he trespassed onto the grounds of Middlesex Middle School and yelled at young students, according to Darien police.

School staff spotted the accused, Robert W. Houseworth, on school grounds at about 11 a.m. and contacted authorities.

"It was reported that staff members who were monitoring recess, observed and overheard the subject 'hollering' at nearby children," wrote Darien police in a statement. "The teachers then advised the Campus Monitor and School Administrators. The school administration quickly responded and discontinued recess. The Campus Monitor then confronted the subject, followed him, provided a description of him and gave a direction of travel as he left school grounds."

Numerous officers descended on the scene and found Houseworth behind a property on Heights Road. He has had previous run-ins with members of the department, according to officials.

"Houseworth denied having any contact with the children at the school, however he did admit to being on school grounds," wrote police. "Further investigation revealed that Houseworth did in fact yell at or toward the children, and this was witnessed by the staff members monitoring the recess. Through staff interviews it was also determined that some of the children nearby were 'scared' and 'visibly shaken' as a result."

Bail for Houseworth was set at $1,000, and he remains in police custody as of Tuesday afternoon.

Housworth was issued a $1,000.00 bond and remains in the custody of the Darien Police Department. He is scheduled to appear in Stamford Superior Court on April 6.

Photo: Robert W. Houseworth. Photo credit: Darien Police Department