Fitch High School Boys Charged In Social Media Knife Fight Threat

GROTON, CT — Four Robert E. Fitch High School students, all boys, were charged with breach of peace for an alleged feud where threats of a fight with a knife involved appeared on social media.

Groton school officials first alerted parents late Thursday night that a threat of violence at the school was being investigated by Groton Police overnight. By Friday morning, an email and robo call message to parents said police had "identified those involved and taken appropriate law enforcement action."

Patch first reported that based on posts on social media by concerned parents, a number that included screenshots of an emailed message by Groton Schools Superintendent Dr. Michael H. Graner, a late night message from Graner was a notification about the "potential threat."

"I wanted to notify our Fitch High School parents and staff that the Groton Police Department is aware of a potential threat of violence at the school on Friday, November 15. The police are investigating social media reports and are interviewing several students. I wanted you to know about the incident and I will provide further updates as soon as possible."

At 6:30 a.m. Friday morning, a deleted student tweet seen by Patch read: "y'all theres been a threat at my school (crying emojis inserted) I'm literally so scared."

At around 7 a.m., Graner messaged parents again. Some on social media reported that they'd received a phone call. Another screenshot of Graner's message was shared.

"As many of you know, I sent an email late last night to inform parents and staff that Groton Police were made aware of a potential threat of violence to Fitch High School. The police investigated the matter throughout the night and identified those involved and have taken appropriate law enforcement action. Thanks to the exceptional response of the police, the potential threat has been removed and put high school remain the safe and orderly school we know ..."

Groton Police Chief Louis J. Fusaro, Jr., and Graner issued a joint statement to Patch at around 10 a.m. followed by posts on social media.

On November 14, 2019 at approximately 10:30 pm, the Groton Town Police Department received multiple complaints regarding apparent threats made on social media involving several students from Fitch High School who referenced a potential altercation that was to occur on Friday November 15th. Initial reports indicated that involved students were planning on bringing knives to school. Police, in cooperation with school officials, immediately initiated an investigation into this matter. School administration was notified of this ongoing investigation so that they could take appropriate action by notifying parents and students.

During the course of the investigation numerous witnesses were interviewed and (4) juvenile suspects were identified and interviewed in the presence of their parents/guardians. The investigation revealed that these threats originated from a previous confrontation among this group of students in the school. These juveniles subsequently engaged in an exchange over social media where they threatened violence upon one another. One of these juveniles sent a picture of a small knife and indicated that he would use it if he were attacked by the others. None of the exchanges threatened violence toward the school or the student population at large but was contained to this group whose members had an ongoing feud.

The four juvenile suspects were all given juvenile court referrals and released to their guardians. The Superintendent took appropriate disciplinary action with regards to this matter. As an added measure of security extra patrol units were assigned to Fitch High School on Friday and additional patrols are planned for next week.

Dr. Graner and Chief Fusaro praised a number of students and parents who came forward with information that helped to quickly resolve the matter.

Charges: Juvenile male - Breach of Peace 2nd Degree, Threatening 2nd Degree Juvenile male - Breach of Peace 2nd Degree, Juvenile male - Breach of Peace 2nd Degree Juvenile male - Breach of Peace 2nd Degree

This post will be updated.