Student charged with making terrorist threats

A 17-year-old student who allegedly made threats about shooting up Westport Junior-Senior High School Friday faces a felony charge of making terrorist threats.

Westport Police say that, as the school day began, a 17-year-old juvenile was confronted by school administration with the school resource officer regarding an incident that took place outside of school. That incident, police say, was not aimed at the school and made no threats toward the school. “Staff, through due diligence, were ensuring the safety of the school community.”

Shortly after that incident, several students contacted school administration about the same juvenile making violent threats toward the school. Westport Police officers then responded to the schooll to assist the school resource officer. An investigation was conducted and information was brought forward by multiple students regarding the threats made. Officers, with the help of school staff and students, were able to identify the juvenile and secure him in the main office while waiting for his father.

After speaking with officers, the juvenile’s father granted permission to Westport Police to search his home for firearms — no firearms licenses were registered for the residence. After conducting the search, officers reported finding no firearms at the home.

The student has been removed from the school and the investigation continued .School staff met after school to ensure safety protocols are followed and to voice any concerns.

The Westport School Department used its OneCall system to notify parents and guardians about the situation and to tell them that the situation was under control and their children were safe.

Additionally, Westport Police said they” would like to commend those students who came forward to report the incident. Anyone who hears or sees anything suspicious should report the occurrence immediately to school staff or the school resource officer.”