'Concerning Social Media Post' Prompts Investigation By Westport Cops

WESTPORT, CT — A "concerning social media post," that reportedly made a Westport student not want to go to school Monday, was investigated by Westport police and found not to be a threat, according to authorities.

Police were notified at about the post by a student at 7:15 a.m.; the content of the post was not disclosed by police.

"Responding officers immediately identified the source of the post and working with the School Resource Officer and the Detective Bureau, we were able to identify the person responsible," wrote Lt. Eric Woods in a statement. "Working in concert with the schools and our investigators, Officers were sent to each school until we were able to locate the responsible party."

The person responsible for the post was found by about 8 a.m., and "determined that there was no threat."

Westport police did not disclose additional details.

Patch reached out to Schools Superintendent Thomas Scarice for comment, and he forwarded the following statement he sent to school parents and staff:

This morning, prior to the start of opening at any of our schools, the Westport police received a report by a student of a concerning social media post. The police immediately began investigating the concern and contacted school officials as well. The police swiftly identified the source of the concerning post and took all necessary actions to ensure our schools are safe. Families and staff will see an increased police presence at our schools today, but we have no reason to believe that any concerns related to this morning’s incident remain.

I would like to thank Chief Koskinas and his team for their work this morning in addressing the social media concern and helping us open schools on time for our students and staff.
Respectfully,
Thomas Scarice
Superintendent