Fairfield middle school student arrested for allegedly making online threats

According to Fairfield police, a Fairfield middle school student was arrested for allegedly making a social media threat that sparked an investigation and an increased police presence at an event.

Police said the arrest stemmed from Sept. 13, when Fairfield Public Schools “alerted members of the school community to a possible school activity at SeptemberFest at Our Lady of the Assumption Church.”

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“The school district reported that a group of students may be planning to meet at the event to engage in a physical altercation based on information that came to light through social media,” a police statement said. “Although the situation did not directly involve school grounds, Fairfield Police immediately initiated a joint investigation with the school district to ensure the safety of students and the community.”

The Fairfield Police School Security Unit, Detective Bureau and the FBI’s New Haven Field Office began an investigation into the social media post and concluded that the threat was not credible and there was no imminent danger to the public, they said the Fairfield Police Department.

However, out of an abundance of caution, Fairfield police increased their presence at SeptemberFest, which took place Sept. 13-15.

By Sept. 24, the Fairfield Police School Security Unit allegedly found evidence that the Fairfield middle school student allegedly created the post, and the teen was arrested. No information about the teen has been released.

“Fairfield Police want to make it clear that any threat or dangerous behavior, regardless of intent, is taken very seriously,” Fairfield Police said.

“Such actions are not only illegal, but also endanger the safety and well-being of the entire community. “Anyone responsible or complicit in these activities – whether by creating, sharing, reposting or otherwise perpetuating threats of violence – will be held accountable by both law enforcement and the school district,” the police statement said. “It is important to recognize that even those who do not initiate these threats but choose to participate in spreading or amplifying them face serious consequences.”

Fairfield police said parents or guardians should monitor their children’s social media and talk to them about the consequences of threats. Police are also asking the public to remain vigilant and report any suspicious activity.

“We understand that situations like this can be concerning, and we want to assure the public that our officers acted quickly and thoroughly from the initial report to the conclusion of the investigation,” said Fairfield Chief Robert Kalamaras.

“We encourage students, parents and community members to remember that any involvement in creating or perpetuating these threats, regardless of original intent, can result in arrest and disciplinary action.” Schools and public spaces must remain safe havens for our children and residents . The Fairfield Police Department will continue to utilize every resource at our disposal to ensure the safety of our community.”