Student Brought Loaded Gun To Hamden High School: Police

HAMDEN, CT — A 17-year-old Hamden High School student was arrested Tuesday after police found a loaded gun in their backpack, according to officials.

Police responded to the school around 1 p.m. to assist school administrators and the School Resource Officer with a weapon investigation, according to Detective Sean Dolan.

Dolan said an investigation found that school officials received information that a 17-year-old student was in the possession of a handgun over the weekend.

“For precautionary measures, the student was brought to the principal’s office by school administrators and school security,” Dolan wrote in a news release. “A stay in place order was given by school officials while police were investigating.

“Officers on scene were trained in crisis intervention and used de-escalation techniques to help defuse the situation when the student became uncooperative. The student ultimately complied with police and was taken into police custody without incident. A loaded .45 caliber handgun was recovered in the student’s backpack.”

The 17-year-old juvenile from Hamden was charged with carrying a pistol without a permit, possession of a weapon on school grounds, second-degree reckless endangerment and second-degree breach of peace.

The juvenile was taken to Juvenile Detention in Bridgeport, according to Dolan.

Dolan said detectives are assisting with the investigation regarding the firearm that was seized.

“The Hamden Police Department encourages anyone with information regarding weapons or student safety to always come forward with the information,” Dolan said. “Today serves as an important reminder of the collaboration efforts between the community, the Board of Education and the Hamden Police Department to help keep the public and our student population safe.

“Hamden Police will have an increased presence at Hamden High School in the days ahead. School officials will also have a crisis team available for students and staff that have any concerns related to this incident.”