‘Misguided Prank’ Investigated By Wallingford School District

WALLINGFORD, CT — In an update on Sunday night, Superintendent of Schools Dr. Salvatore Menzo said that the Wallingford Police Department has closed its investigation into a “disturbing” message that was posted on Friday night related to the school district. Menzo said that police have closed their investigation “pending further leads,” but there is still an active school district investigation.

Just hours after police announced the arrest of a 17-year-old student for posting an "alarming message" on Snapchat about Lyman Hall High School, Menzo alerted parents of another “disturbing” message that was posted on Snapchat on Friday night.

“It has been determined that the image posted on Snapchat was photo-shopped,” Menzo said in an email to parents on Sunday night. “As a result, authorities do not believe it poses a credible threat at this time. It was a misguided prank that now opens the responsible individual or individuals to severe consequences once identified. I appreciate the hard work of school administration and the Wallingford Police Department. Together, we will continue to maintain a safe learning environment for our students and staff. With that said, it will be business as usual in all schools in the Wallingford Public School District tomorrow (Monday morning).

“We again ask that parents discuss the severity of such actions with their children. What one person may think is funny and a joke, we can and will not tolerate if it impacts the learning environment.”

At about 7:30 p.m. on Dec. 14, Wallingford Police received information that an “image of a student, had been circulating amongst a group of students.” Police investigated and determined that an “image had been captured, altered, and re-published within this group of students.”

“The image did not contain any specific threats, school names, or student names, and did not rise to the level of criminal conduct,” police said in a press release. “The Wallingford Police Department will continue to work closely with the Wallingford Board of Education, to maintain the safety and well-being, of all of our students, teachers, and the integrity of our school buildings. Each potential incident will be handled independently, considering all factors, with the ultimate goal being a safe learning environment for all Wallingford students. The Wallingford Police Department continues to rely on the cooperation of its students, families, and citizens.”

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