Ledyard Student Arrested For Claiming He Could Buy Gun: Principal

LEDYARD, CT — A Ledyard High School student was arrested Thursday after he claimed he could buy a semi-automatic weapon, the school's principal told parents. Police said they were contacted about the situation by school administration that morning just after 9 a.m.

According to Ledyard High School Principal Amanda Fagan, police were consulted after a 17-year-old student allegedly said he could buy an AR-15 at the beginning of a first period class. Police were soon consulted in "an abundance of caution" despite the fact that the student is a minor who cannot legally purchase such a weapon.

"The offense is akin to joking about a bomb in the airport," Fagan said in a message to parents. "One simply doesn't do it."

Fagan said the accused student does not have access to firearms at home, nor was there ever any threat to
the safety of students or faculty and staff. She also stressed that the student did not specifically threaten to do harm, and only referenced the purchase of a weapon.

Fagan said the specific purpose of reaching out to parents was to "counter some false information that was posted [Thursday] on a community forum on Facebook."

According to Fagan, the social media post in question allegedly indicated the student had been arrested for posting online that he was going to shoot up the school.

"That information, as presented is false," Fagan said. "Had an overt threat against the students and staff of Ledyard High School been made, you can be certain that you would have heard about it from school or district administration."

Police said the information in Fagan's message was confirmed by the department Thursday, and that the student was referred to juvenile court on charges of threatening and breach of peace.

Police also said the department worked closely with Fagan and her staff to ensure there was never a credible threat to students or staff.

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