Report Of Weapon In School Parking Lot False: Wilton Police

WILTON, CT — Middlebrook School in Wilton initiated a "secure" protocol Tuesday following a false report of a weapon inside a vehicle in the school parking lot.

At around 12:45 p.m., a Middlebrook staff member told school administration he "believed he had overheard a student stating his brother had a weapon in his vehicle," according to a statement from the Wilton PD. There was no knowledge of where the vehicle was, and no indication it was on school property, Lt. Anna Tornello said.

School administration called the Wilton Police Department and provided a description of the vehicle. Responding officers located a vehicle matching the description in the parking lot at the side of the school entrance.

Police detained the driver, pending further investigation. In the meantime, the responding officers assessed the situation and advised the school administration to initiate a “secure” protocol, which results in all personnel getting inside and locking outside doors.

Following a search of the vehicle, police say they determined there was no weapon and no threat to the school community. While police cruisers were still in the area, the school shifted into a "hold" protocol, clearing halls and locking classroom doors.

A short time later, at 2:01 p.m., Tornello said the "hold" protocol was replaced by an "all clear" communication, indicating police activity had ceased. The school then resumed its normal activities.