Parent Arrested After Bringing Knife To East Haven School: Police

EAST HAVEN, CT — A man is accused of bringing a hunting knife to a local school when he arrived to pick up his child.

Carlos Alberto Diaz, 32, was charged with second-degree breach of peace and possession of a weapon on school grounds.

Police said they believe Diaz’s actions “reflect an irresponsible oversight.” Police said there was no indication of criminal intent.

Police were summoned on Thursday to the Overbrook Early Learning Center, at 54 Gerrish Ave., for a weapons complaint.

According to police, Diaz arrived at the school to pick up his child, and he had a large knife jutting out of his back pocket.

Several teachers saw the knife, became concerned and notified the school’s director. The director approached Diaz in the hallway and asked him to leave the building, police said. Diaz cooperated and left the premises immediately, according to police.

Police then made contact with Diaz at his home. He told officers he had forgotten he was in possession of the knife, police said.

Officers seized the knife. Police described it as a hunting/utility knife with a fixed blade measuring about four inches. Weapons are prohibited on school grounds under state law, police said.

Diaz is due to appear in Superior Court in New Haven on April 9.