Teen Cited After Water Gun Incident At Redding Elementary School

REDDING, CT — A Redding teenager was issued a summons for breach of peace following a water gun incident that prompted several concerned calls to police from parents at Redding Elementary School.

The incident occurred on Thursday, April 24, around 3:54 p.m. when police received multiple 911 calls reporting a male teenager dressed in black, hiding behind vehicles in the school’s parking lot with what appeared to be a gun. Witnesses described the teen as wearing a black shirt, black pants, and black sunglasses, and driving away in a white Honda sedan with a "HONDA" decal on the rear window.

Responding officers were initially unable to locate the vehicle near the school, but found it later in the senior parking lot at Joel Barlow High School. Police identified the driver as a participant in a senior tradition of "water gun tag," a non-school-sanctioned activity.

Officers recovered the water gun, which resembled a 1911 pistol and featured a drum-style magazine. The toy, while distinguishable upon close inspection by its orange tip and trim, was realistic enough to cause alarm among parents.

The teen admitted to being at the elementary school with the water gun and expressed regret for the incident. He was issued a misdemeanor summons for second-degree breach of peace and released on a promise to appear in Danbury Superior Court on May 6.

A parent who reported the incident provided a written statement, describing how he initially believed there was a real threat, told his children to seek shelter, and confronted the teen. The parent said the experience was frightening and traumatizing for those present.

School officials at Joel Barlow High School were notified, and police said a statement would be sent to parents and students to raise awareness.

The case is considered closed following the issuance of the summons, according to a statement from the Redding Police Department.