Old Saybrook police charge teen amid concerns over comments, actions
Old Saybrook — Police Chief Michael A. Spera said a 17-year-old was charged with breach of peace after police investigated the high school student's comments and actions.
Parents and students on Friday and over the weekend reported to police their concerns about the student's comments and actions over the past weeks and months, Spera said a news release.
Spera said there wasn't any evidence of a credible threat against any Old Saybrook school, and police don't have evidence or information of any credible threat against any Old Saybrook school campus. Additional police may be present at school campuses throughout the week "for no other reason than to allow our students and staff to know we are there to keep them safe."
The 17-year-old was remanded to state custody and will not be allowed on any Old Saybrook school campus until court and/or school officials find it appropriate, according to Spera.
"The Department takes our responsibilities very seriously, especially when it concerns the safety of our students and school faculty," Spera wrote. "It is important to remember that all of us (students, parents, school district employees, and police officers) have significant responsibilities when it comes to ensuring the safety of our school campuses. All suspicious and/or concerning behavior must be reported immediately to law enforcement officials. Delays in reporting could have catastrophic consequences. Our priority is not to make juvenile arrests. Our priority is to keep our kids safe!"
Spera noted in the news release that the police and school district are restricted by laws and regulations on how much detail can be released on matters concerning a juvenile or student. The police have asked the superintendent to send the news release to parents in the school district.
Spera said anyone with questions or concerns can contact him by calling (860) 395-3142 or emailing him at Chief@OldSaybrookPolice.com.
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