Newtown Middle School Teacher Arrested After Bringing Gun to School: BREAKING

NEWTOWN, CT — A Newtown middle school teacher has been placed on administrative leave for allegedly bringing a gun to school on Wednesday and school officials say they are troubled by the incident.

The Newtown Police Department was contacted at 9 a.m. by school personnel from the Newtown Middle School, advising them that school security personnel was detaining a teacher who was observed inside the school carrying a firearm, according to Police Chief James Viadero.

Police interviewed witnesses and concluded that Jason M. Adams, 46, of 90 Currituck Road, had entered the school carrying a concealed firearm, according to a news release. Adams possesses a valid State of Connecticut Pistol Permit, police said.

The Police Department, working closely with the administration of the Newtown Public School system, commenced an immediate investigation and a determination was made that Adams allegedly violated state statute, which prohibits the possession of a firearm on school property.

He is charged with possession of a weapon on school grounds and released on a promise to appear in Superior Court, Danbury on April 20.

“This matter is very serious and troubling, both the Newtown Public School system and the Newtown Police Department took immediate steps to address the matter. The teacher was immediately detained by security personnel,” school officials said in a statement released by the Police Department.

“The teacher has additionally been placed on administrative leave pending an administrative investigation. Both agencies have been working closely together to investigate the incident and are taking precautions to ensure the continued safety of our students, staff and community members.”

Superintendent of Schools Joseph V. Erardi, Jr. in an email to parents said the “weapon was not drawn or utilized at any point.”

“In addition, school principals are working closely with mental health service providers in the schools to help anyone in need of support,” Erardi wrote.

Newtown police say they have also contacted the State's Licensing and Permit Unit to make them aware of the arrest.

The Newtown Police Department is confident that security precautions put in place prior to the incident were instrumental in the quick and appropriate response to the event, the chief said in a statement.

This close working relationship between the school system and law enforcement personnel is essential in resolving incidents of this nature, Viadero said.

Photo courtesy of the Newtown Police Department