Idle Gun Threat Source Of Tension At Southington HS: Cops

SOUTHINGTON, CT — Southingon police on Thursday said an idle gun threat contributed to increased tensions at Southington High School a day earlier. An increased police presence remained at the school to keep everyone "positive," a law enforcement administrator said.

In a report on the incident, police said at 1:30 p.m. the previous day, a "juvenile" student at Southington High School "became upset" and said he was going to bring a gun to school.

Southington Police investigated the incident and the student admitted he made the threat, knew it was wrong, and said he did not have any intention of bringing a weapon to school, a report indicates.

The student was referred to the juvenile court system, according to a report.

At 5:30 p.m. Tuesday, the superintendent of schools contacted police to report that two parents "expressed concerns" about a threat to the school. Police determined they were related to the gun threat.

"The investigation found no credible threat to the school," police said in a report.

Police said they would be maintaining increased presence at Southington High School as a "precaution and to alleviate anxiety on the students and staff and so that the school may continue in a positive educational environment."

Police and school system officials said the community was already on edge after a racially charged chat room post involving a student last week was copied to Twitter. See more on the incident here.

Photo Credit: Tim Jensen

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