School Trespasser Pointed Air Gun At Kids, Staff: Manchester Police

MANCHESTER, CT — The air gun incident at a school in Manchester Monday involved a realistic-looking pellet gun being pointed at children and adult staff members, Manchester police said Tuesday in an arrest summary.

The incident took place at 1:18 p.m. Monday. At that time, the Manchester Police Department responded to a report of an armed, suspicious person at Verplanck Elementary School.

The person was wearing all black and was carrying a duffle bag and a "rifle" near the rear of the school, police said. Witnesses told police the person was pointing the rifle at the school, into classroom windows, and at students and staff members, according to an incident report.

When police encountered the person, he was still holding the rifle and surrendered only after several commands, according to an incident report.

He was then taken into custody without further incident, police said. He was identified as a 17-year-old from Manchester, and he told police he intended to commit "suicide by cop," according to an incident report.

Police said he pointed the weapon, a rifle-style Airsoft gun, at 29 children and 10 adults on the school grounds.

The boy has been charged with:

• First-degree threatening
• First-degree reckless endangerment (39 counts)
• Second-degree breach of peace (40 counts)
• Possession of a weapon on school grounds
• Carrying a dangerous weapon
• Illegal use of a facsimile firearm
• Risk of injury to a child (29 counts)

The boy's identity is not being released due to his age, police said.

"We are thankful for our officers' swift and professional actions, which prevented what could have been a devastating incident," police said. "The Manchester Police Department would like to commend the faculty and staff of Verplanck Elementary School for their cooperation and courage during this stressful situation. The investigation remains ongoing. We urge anyone with additional information to contact the Manchester Police Department."