Student Threatened Another With 'Gun Violence' Via Text: Police

MADISON, CT —A Daniel Hand High School student threatened another student with "gun violence" via text message, police confirmed Thursday morning. Late Wednesday evening, schools superintendent Dr. Craig Cooke told families in an "important" message that a threat had been made via electronic communications.

Madison Police Department Capt. Joseph Race told Patch that the parents of the student who is alleged to have made the threat, surrendered a firearm to police.

Race said the parents "are lawful, registered gun owners, but they came forward" and while the firearm was locked and secured, they "worked closely with us in the interest of safety."

"We're very grateful to them," for cooperating, Race said.

Race said there will be a police presence on the high school campus for at least Thursday, though the threat has been "removed."

"First and foremost, we take the safety of the school community very seriously," he said. "Safety is foremost on our minds, so we will be there today," and he said, possibly Friday as well, should police and the district determine is necessary.

"The threat is resolved, but safety is the priority," he said.

Wednesday night, Cooke said, "Daniel Hand administration and Madison Police will continue to work together to ensure student and staff safety. Madison Police will provide additional police presence at Hand tomorrow as an additional precaution."

Cooke sought to reassure families.

"Safety and security of our students and staff will always be our first priority. Thank you for your understanding and please be assured we have taken swift action to ensure this safety," he wrote.

When asked about charges that may come for the student who made the threat, Race said: "We're still investigating."

"The school has its own mechanisms in place," for discipline, Race said, but police will be "working with the juvenile courts" on how to proceed with possible criminal charges.

By late Thursday, Cooke again reached out to families. He said Hand high school "faculty worked hard to provide as normal of a day as possible for our entire Hand community."

He noted that administrators and teachers were prepared and able to support students who had questions and concerns about the threat made adding that "students and staff safety is our primary concern."

"Our continued strong partnership with Madison Police Department provides a safe environment for our students to learn in," he said, adding that Friday, there will again be a "heightened police presence" on school campuses.

Cooke said he could not provide more specific details citing "the sensitive nature of these events" and student privacy laws.