HAMDEN, Conn — Two Hamden students have been arrested for allegedly posting social media threats against Eli Whitney Technical High School that sparked two lockdowns this week.
State police announced that the two students – both 14-year-old boys who attend Eli Whitney – have been arrested via juvenile summons for the two separate, but loosely related incidents.
"Yesterday we received information from a parent, who contacted Throop I in Bethany to report that there was a threatening social media post," Sgt. Dawn Pagan of the Connecticut State Police said at a news conference Tuesday.
That sparked a brief lockdown and early dismissal from classes on Monday.
A second similar threat – also on social media – was made on Tuesday, sparking another lockdown. Students were also dismissed early from classes.
"We would like to think the students of the high school for reporting that to the school principal, who brought it to our attention," Pagan said.
Both of the threats were posted to new accounts on Instagram.
The school resource officer, who is a state trooper, along with state police Central District Major Crimes determined Monday's threat was related to alleged bullying and Tuesday's threat was loosely related, according to Pagan.
Following investigations by the school resource officer, law enforcement and school officials, the two students were arrested.
The suspect of the Monday incident has been charged with threatening, breach of peace, and intimidation based on bigotry and bias.
The teenager accused in the Tuesday incident has been charged with threatening and breach of peace.
"At this particular point, both students face maximum out of school suspension with possibility of expulsion as a follow up," Dr. Ellen Solek, interim Superintendent of Connecticut Technical Schools, said.
Each student will automatically receive a 10-day suspension at the very least.
Some school systems are opting for additional protections like metal detectors, but Solek said the state's technical schools "have not explored anything in addition to what we already have in place."
"The Division of Emergency Management provides resources, planning and direction for schools and also grant funding for that type of planning," Brian Foley, of the Department of Emergency Services and Public Protection noted.
Foley added that state police are actively investigating other school threats around the state and they do expect to make further arrests soon at the state and local level.
State police urged students to do their part to maintain a healthy and kind learning experience. Parents were also reminded to monitor their kids' social media use to assist in preventing similar incidents in the future.
Both teenagers are scheduled to appear in juvenile court in New Haven on Wednesday.
Eli Whitney was not the only school on high alert on Tuesday.
Police in Waterbury said they were investigating a social media threat against Career Academy.
This all comes one day after several threats were made at multiple schools in New Haven, Hamden and one in Norwich.
Pagan said Tuesday that there is a social media trend going around urging teenagers to post these kinds of threats and create situations where they could get dismissed early from school.
Under state law, making threats like these is a Class C felony, which can carry up to 10 years in prison and a fine of $10,000.
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