Norwich-A press release from the Norwich Police Department stated that on Monday morning, the Norwich Free Academy entered into a lockdown agreement after school security personnel “learned that a student might be threatened”.
Mike O'Farrell, the school's communications director, stated that the call for classrooms to lock doors, shutters and adopt a defensive stance was issued at about 10 am and ended at 11:10 am more than an hour later. No injuries were reported.
Norwich Police Chief James Vega wrote in a press statement at about 11:40 a.m., “NFA security personnel have been aware of possible threats from students.”
Following the official's response, the school was blocked.
"NPD officials and the NFA security department quickly found the suspect and are currently investigating the incident to determine whether the criminal charges are appropriate," the police statement continued.
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Some parents took their children away from the school, but after the incident, the classroom continued as usual.
"I can't say any more now," Offarrell said in a brief telephone conversation. "I can't comment on anything specifically, but I can tell you that the process is effective."
"The children are safe and the staff are safe. We thank the police for their cooperation and the situation has been resolved," he added.
Offarrell did not comment on the existence of any guns or whether the incident involved more than one student, and said he hoped to "share some additional information with parents this afternoon."
In an email sent to parents in the late afternoon, Brian Kelly, the head of the NFA, stated that the blockade lasted for about 70 minutes. “No students, faculty or staff on campus were directly or An imminent threat."
Kelly said: "We take all security issues seriously and make prompt and prudent decisions on disciplinary cases, and this situation is no exception."
The NFA principal did not provide more information about the specific details that led to the lockdown; he also admitted that the parents may have more problems.
"I have no right to discuss further details," he added.