Vernon Cops: Schools are 'Safe,' Man Who Made Threats in Custody

VERNON, CT — Vernon Police on Wednesday were assuring residents that the local school environment is safe with a 24-year-old who made vague threats on education buildings in custody.

"The safety and security of our school staff and students is one of our highest priorities and we have been collaborating closely with school officials to ensure their safety," Vernon police spokesman Lt. William Meier said Wednesday morning.

Police acknowledged that was a strong hint that more charges could be filed against 24-year-old Oscar Rodriguez, who has been involved in eight police calls already this year in Vernon and another involving state police.

Rodriguez, who lives at 88 Prospect St. in Vernon, was arrested on Monday night and charged with first-degree threatening and breach of peace, state police said. He was being held on a $250,000 bond and appeared in Hartford Superior court on Tuesday, state police said. His bond was reduced to $175,000 but he remained in custody on Wednesday, court records show.

Rodriguez is due back in court for the shooting threat on March 22, records show.

At 9:05 p.m. on Monday, state police were notified by a television station about an email sent to the tip line about a school shooting. The email was traced to Rodriguez, according to a report.

No specific school was mentioned, according to state police. He was arrested by state and local police at his home. Vernon police said he tried to fill the residence with natural gas as authorities approached the dwelling.

According to Vernon police records, officers have had eight contacts with Rodriguez so far in 2018, including a warrant arrest on Feb. 21 for second-degree breach of peace. That incident was on Jan. 13, according to police records. He is due in court on March 20 for that charge, a clerk at the court said.

Photo Credit: State Police