Bethel police arrest teen who allegedly threatened to blow up high school

On Sept. 24, the Bethel Police Department received a report regarding a threat made by a 13-year-old student at Bethel Regional High School. The student allegedly threatened to blow up the school and shoot students.

Officers responded to the scene, where they engaged with school staff and the juvenile involved. Following a preliminary investigation, the juvenile was arrested and charged with three counts of terroristic threats. The student was subsequently transported to the Bethel Youth Facility for processing.

“The Bethel Police Department extends its gratitude to the staff at Bethel Regional High School for their prompt and effective response to this serious situation. The safety of our students and community remains our top priority. No firearms or explosive devices were located, and no students or staff was harmed,” Bethel Police Department said in a statement.

The school has about 494 students serving grades 7-12. It has about 40 teachers and 2 counselors. According to U.S. News and World Report, Bethel Regional High School’s total minority enrollment is 92%, and 71% of students are economically disadvantaged. Some 47.73% of the students are chronically absent.

The proficiency rate of the students at Bethel Regional High School is 13.18% in reading and writing, and 16.60% in math.