Ammunition Found At Middle School In West Hartford

WEST HARTFORD, CT — Local police are investigating how a magazine full of gun ammunition was found at a West Hartford middle school Tuesday.

According to the West Hartford Police Department, officers were notified that a custodian at Bristow Middle School in West Hartford found handgun ammunition in a magazine on school property.

" West Hartford Police Department and West Hartford Board of Education personnel immediately took action to ensure the safety and security of students, faculty, and community members," wrote the WHPD in a statement.

Police said the ammunition was found shortly before 10:30 a.m. That's when police were called to the 34 Highland St. school for a complaint involving found handgun ammunition.

The handgun magazine was found outside of the school while the custodian was conducting routine work, police said.

Utilizing a police dog, the WHPD began a search of the school

"As a precaution, Bristow Middle School was secured, and officers swept the school with the assistance of a K9," wrote police. "No firearms, weapons, or threatening objects were located."

Aiding the situation, police said, was the fact several classes at the school had field trips Tuesday and were not in the building.

Upon the students' return, police said they conducted "safe searches" as part of their investigation

Police said the situation emphasizes the importance of school safety in daily operations and urged parents to speak with their children about these types of incidents.

"The West Hartford Police Department and its members take incidents such as these very seriously, as the safety of our community is our primary concern," wrote the WHPD.

"We encourage parents and community members to have conversations with their loved ones regarding notifying the police department immediately when or if a firearm or firearm accessory is found."

Police said the investigation is still ongoing.

Anyone with information on the case is asked to contact the West Hartford Police Department at 860-523-5203, or use the WHPD Tip Line/email at 860-570-8969 / whpdtips@westhartfordct.gov.