Gun Discharged in New London School; Man Arrested

In April 2015, New London Police were called to Bennie Dover Jackson Middle School on Waller Street after receiving a report of a weapon found inside a school bathroom.

“Officers were able to determine that the handgun had discharged a shot inside of the school,” New London Deputy Chief Peter Reichard said in an April 2015 press release. “School officials worked closely with New London Police to ensure the safety of the students that were present in the building at the time of the incident.”

On July 1 at 5:40 a.m., Richard Velazquez, 39, of 65 Connecticut Ave. New London, turned himself in on a warrant for:

• Criminal Possession of a Firearm
• Risk of Injury to a Minor

Velazquez’s charges stem from an investigation of the alleged incident at Bennie Dover Jackson Middle School.

“It was determined that Velazquez was responsible for that firearm prior to the student coming into possession of the weapon,” Deputy Chief Peter Reichard said.

New London Police arrested the 11-year-old accused of bringing a gun to school on April 30.

Anyone who may have witnessed or have information concerning the incident is asked to contact the New London Police Department at 860-447-5269.

Anonymous information can be submitted via the Internet or the New London Tips 411 system.