Student found with handgun at Hamden High School

A Hamden High School student was found in possession of a loaded .45 caliber handgun on campus Oct. 5 at approximately 1 p.m., and Hamden police was called to help school administrators and the School Resource Officer with a “weapon investigation.”

The student was quickly taken into custody by the Hamden Police Department, according to a notice to families from the superintendent and the town.

The 17-year-old student, who was not identified by police, was charged with carrying a pistol without a permit, possession of a weapon on school grounds, reckless endangerment in the second-degree and breach of peace.

“An Order to Detain was approved by the courts, and the student was taken to Juvenile Detention in Bridgeport,” police said. An investigation into the firearm that was seized is on-going.

“Collaboration among the community, school system and police helps keep the public and students safe,” said Detective Sean Dolan.

Hamden High School was notified early Oct. 5 by an anonymous source that a student on campus allegedly was in possession of a gun over the weekend.

“Following up on this information, the student in question was escorted by Hamden security to the main office where the student was met by the School Resource Officer, and the school was placed in a ‘Stay in Place,'” according to an email from Superintendent Jody Ian Goeler. 

While the officer counseled the student, while family and mental health professionals were present, the student was found to have the firearm.

In the email to families, Goeler applauded the “quick and decisive actions” by the school’s staff and police. Goeler also called on parents to have more conversations with their children about gun violence.

“During this difficult time, it is more important than ever to have conversations with your children about the dangers of gun violence and to encourage your children to continue to report unsafe and concerning behaviors to trusted adults,” Goeler said. “If you see something, say something.”

Hamden Police reminded the community that, “anyone with information regarding weapons or students safety [should] always come forward with the information.”

The school’s crisis team will also be available for students and staff who need assistance following the potentially traumatic event. There will be increased police presence on campus for the next few days at Hamden High School.

This post will be updated as events continue to unfold and information becomes available.