False ‘Swatting’ Incident Reported At Sheehan High School In Wallingford

WALLINGFORD, CT — Police are investigating a “swatting” call that falsely reported an active incident at Sheehan High School in Wallingford on Friday morning, according to Superintendent of Schools Danielle Bellizzi.

Several school districts across the state received false reports of active shooters at schools on Friday.

Bellizzi said Wallingford police received an anonymous call Friday morning claiming there was an “active incident” occurring at Mark T. Sheehan High School.

“This was a false report,” Bellizzi wrote in a message to parents. “At no time was there any incident of a security breach at Mark T. Sheehan High School. Staff and students were safe and the day went on as scheduled without incident.

“However, due to the nature of the call, the Wallingford Police Department immediately dispatched officers to the scene. The Wallingford Police Department is actively investigating the anonymous call and will pursue the matter to the fullest extent of the law.

“Other school districts have received similar calls today. This has become a nationwide issue called, ‘swatting,’ where false calls are made to police departments regarding schools.

“It is unfortunate that we live in a time where these types of calls are made and we understand how distressing this situation is for parents, staff, and students. I want to reiterate that everyone is safe and the call, while alarming, was a non-credible report.

“I want to thank the Wallingford Police Department and the Mark T. Sheehan administration for their immediate response to this situation. The safety of all of our students and staff remains our top priority.”