Vernon Man Arrested for School Shooting Threat

VERNON, CT — A 24-year-old Vernon resident who has had run-ins with the police before, including "mental health" evaluations, has been arrested for threatening to shoot up a school, state police said.

Oscar 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 was to appear in Hartford Superior court on Tuesday, state police said.

A Vernon official said, "He is in a safe place now and is no harm to the public."

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, state police said.

No specific school was mentioned, state police said.

He was arrested by state police, assisted by Vernon police, at his home in the Rockville section of Vernon. Vernon police said he tried to fill the residence with natural gas as police 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.

Many of the calls involved "mental health evaluations," according to incident reports.

Vernon Superintendent of Schools Joseph Macary sent out the following statement Tuesday:

"Last night the Vernon Police Department assisted the Connecticut State Police with a case involving a town resident, who reportedly shared threatening comments with a TV news station. According to Police, the threat was not made to any specific school. Police located the suspect at his residence and he was arrested and taken into custody. This person did not pose a credible threat to any Vernon school. The Vernon Police Department and school officials work collaboratively to ensure the safety and security of all students and staff."

Vernon police released the following statement:

"On 2-26-18 the Vernon Police Department was contacted by State Police Troop H to assist in
their investigation of a threat received at a news station in Hartford. The suspect, Oscar
Rodriguez, age 24, lives at 88 Prospect Street Vernon. Vernon officers went to 88 Prospect
Street with the State Police to take Rodriguez into custody. While officers were at the scene, it
is alleged that Rodriguez tried to fill the apartment with natural gas. As a precaution other
residents of the building were evacuated and the fire department was called. No one was
injured and Rodriguez was taken into custody by CSP and brought back to Troop H. No
weapons were found in the apartment. Rodriguez was held overnight by the CSP on bond and
presented in court. Vernon officers are continuing to investigate and expect to file additional
charges.

"Vernon Police have been working together with Connecticut State Police on the investigation.
There was no direct threat made against Vernon Public Schools and police have been in touch
with Vernon school officials to make them aware of the situation. Vernon Police and Vernon
Public Schools work collaboratively to ensure the safety and security of all students and staff."

Photo Credit: CSP