Connecticut high school student arrested after gun report; school dismissed temporarily.

A high school student in Stonington, Connecticut, was taken into custody on Thursday following an incident involving a suspected firearm, which led to a school lockdown and a significant police presence in the area. Law enforcement officials responded promptly to reports of a student allegedly carrying a gun at Stonington High School, resulting in road closures around the vicinity.

Stonington Public Schools communicated through social media alerts that the institution was under lockdown shortly before 10 a.m. During this period, all students and staff were directed to remain in secure areas within the school building. School officials confirmed that they were cooperating fully with law enforcement authorities during this tense situation.

Approximately 45 minutes after the initial lockdown was initiated, school officials downgraded the lockdown to a “classroom hold,” though further specifics regarding this change were not disclosed. According to a statement from the Stonington Police Department, officers arrived on the scene in response to claims that a student was in possession of a firearm on school grounds.

Subsequent investigations confirmed that the student, who remains unnamed, was found with two weapons in his backpack. These weapons were later identified as pellet guns, as reported by local ABC affiliate WTNH. Superintendent Mary Anne Butler indicated that the Stonington Police Department effectively managed the situation, emphasizing that the district was following established safety protocols aimed at ensuring the well-being of students and staff.

By approximately 1 p.m., school authorities issued another update, announcing the dismissal of all students for the day. They reassured the community that all individuals within the school were safe and noted that the investigation by police would continue, with updates provided as more information became available.

The initial alerts related to the situation triggered a significant response from multiple agencies, including personnel from the Stonington Police Department, Connecticut State Police, and nearby law enforcement organizations.

Stonington High School, located in New London County, had an enrollment of just over 550 students for the 2023-24 academic year. The incident highlights ongoing concerns surrounding school safety and gun-related issues within educational environments nationwide, prompting discussions about necessary measures to ensure safe learning conditions.