Schools Go Into Lockdown As Police Take Watertown Man into Custody

Two Southington schools were placed on lockdown Thursday afternoon as police served a warrant on a potentially dangerous and violent suspect in a domestic case, officers said, but were able to serve a warrant on a Watertown man without incident.

Southington police responded to a home at 119 W. Main St. around noon after 47-year-old Alan Gamache was seen entering the apartment. Sgt. Jeffrey Dobratz said police were concerned that Gamache was attempting to hide in the apartment to avoid arrest.

“It was believed Gamache was inside the apartment attempting to avoid capture. It was reported that Gamache has a history of being violent and the victim stated he would attack officers if approached,” Dobratz said. “Officers made arrangements to serve this warrant and take Gamache into custody.”

“As a precaution, the Plantsville Elementary School and the Plantsville Nursery School were placed in a lockdown situation for approximately 10 minutes,” he said. “Officers made contact with Gamache and he was taken into custody without incident. School officials were notified and the lock down was lifted. At no time were students at either school in any danger.”

Gamache, of 147 Greenwood St. in Watertown, was taken into custody on charges of second-degree assault, second-degree strangulation, first-degree unlawful restraint, interfering with emergency calls and second-degree breach of peace.

He remains in custody in lieu of a $75,000 court set bond and is due for arraignment in Bristol Superior Court Wednesday.

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