Toy Gun Sighting Sets School​​ Into Lockdown: Bethel Superintendent

BETHEL, CT — The sight of a toy gun resulted in R.M.T. Johnson School going into lockdown Wednesday afternoon during dismissal.

In an email to the school community, Superintendent Christine Carver said students at the elementary school saw another student with what appeared to be a weapon.

"Following the District Safety and Security protocols, the school was put into lockdown and the Bethel Police Department was immediately notified. In the course of their investigation, the police were able to identify a student who was carrying a facsimile or toy gun," Carver said. "Students and staff were safe at all times."

During the normal school schedule set for Thursday, mental health staff will be made available to students who want to talk to them, according to the superintendent.

"We are grateful to the students for reporting the incident immediately and for the responsiveness of the staff in following district protocols. We also appreciate the cooperation we received from parents in ensuring that the police could appropriately respond to the incident," Carter said.